Dear Sir: I Write Today to Take Issue with Even the Thought of Taking the Florida Panthers Off the Endangered Species Act. What

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: (no subject) Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 1:04:59 PM

Dear Sir: I write today to take issue with even the thought of taking the Florida Panthers off the Endangered Species Act. What justification is there for this? These animals are being slaughtered on the roads all the time. We just find them dead of the road. Do any of these drivers ever stop to help the wounded animals? Do they report the incidents? I would really like to know the answers to some of my questions. What protections do they have? Do we have lower speed limits on the areas where they are known to cross? Do the police patrol these areas? How many of these animals do you want to kill? Same thing with the bears. It seems that all you care about is giving hunters a free pass to kill everything that isn't already dead. Why can't these people shoot at empty beer cans if they want target practice. I have written to you people in the past and nothing comes of it. You already know that the vast majority of citizens want to protect animals, not kill them. You don't seem to listen to them at all. You already have your minds made up in advance against these animals. Will you even read this letter? I would like to hear from you and learn about your views on the subject. What do you consider a fair number of animals to be allowed to live? They should all be allowed to live with their families just the way you want to live with your family. Remember that they were here before we were. What gives us the right to harm them? You call yourselves wildlife protection biologists. I think that is a joke. All you really want to do is sell tickets to hunters to pay your salaries. I hope you receive a large number of replies like mine and actually take them to heart. I doubt that will happen. It never does. Seems to me that all you want to do is give the hunters a free pass to kill all the wildlife. Of course when that happens you won't have a job. I hope you take my words and all the other responses into consideration at your next meeting. I will be watching. I would like to hear from you if you have time and I pray that you will vote to save these precious animals, not destroy them.

John Pernetti Cape Coral [email protected] From: James To: [email protected] Subject: "Panthers" (or Cougars/Pumas/Mountain Lions) in the State of Florida Date: Thursday, July 6, 2017 3:33:27 PM

6 July 2017

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my opinion about a Review of the Legal Status of the (so called) “Florida Panther” that I understand you are undertaking.

Let me begin by saying I am only writing because I remember meeting you about three years ago when I visited the Headquarters of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. You were kind enough to not only be hospitable (a rare treatment for me by many of your fellow USFWS employees) but your patient and well stated explanations of what was happening with the human communities and “panthers” both on and off the Refuge, including your taking the time to take me to a site on the Refuge in order to further place things in perspective, was greatly appreciated. I believe you will take honest comments to heart.

In all honesty, it is because of your informed honesty and openness to facts that causes me to take time out of a busy schedule to write you about your undertaking. Consider these as “Comments” from a retired USFWS Wildlife Biologist, Wetland Biologist, US Game Management/Special Agent, National Wildlife Refuges Chief of Operations, Budget Analyst, and Congressional Fellow. Additionally; I have a BS in Wildlife Resources from Utah State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and work as a part-time employee of the Utah Fish and Game. I have served 4 years in the US Navy as a Line Officer (2 in the western Pacific aboard ship and 2 on Adak Island in the middle of the Aleutian Islands where I moved Top Secret material under guard from Adak, Amchitka and Shemya government facilities). I know biology, taxonomy and large mammals/predators as well as anyone.

First, Walker’s Mammals of the World states, “The mountain lion or puma, Felis concolor, has the largest range of any species of native mammal in the New World, (my emphasis). It occurs from British Columbia in Canada to Patagonia in South America.”

- It is absurd to single out any population segment of such an abundant and widely-occurring animal as in any way evoking federal “protection”, “management” of other hegemony. Such an action has been akin to utilizing the natural small size of Key Deer in small food-impoverished islands , or the coyote-like properties of “red” wolves in settled landscapes, or solitary behavior of pale “Mexican” wolves living in a food-poor desert environment as excuses for federal intervention at the un-Constitutional expense of States’ Rights as described in the 10th Amendment or the “welfare” and “domestic Tranquility” of rural communities in the broadest sense.

Second, Federal “Florida Panther” intervention under the auspices of the ESA has only led to an increasingly preposterous situation:

-1. Over-populated cougars in poor health.

-2. Science-fiction-like fencing along a state highway that both isolates multiple wildlife populations and traps unsuspecting mountain lions in a bowling alley- like booby trap.

-3. So-called highway underpasses in areas of high water tables and thickening vegetation that are little more than table-talk nonsense.

-4. Disappearing deer and turkey populations as National Park Service and State Park realtors loom like buzzards in trees watching hunting and fishing die so that they can swoop down and consume the remains of hunt camps and access trails to then exclude everyone from an environment that once (and could again) supported vibrant hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation.

-5. Increasing puma presence in areas of high road traffic, dense housing tracts and populated humanity results only in chaos and destruction. If dead cougars on the highway, car accidents injuring and killing occupants, increasingly dangerous incidents of human/mtn. lion encounters with children and the elderly and a population of panthers that thanks to constant human familiarity (habituation) are little more than feral house cats (but for their weight, size and deadly capabilities) making a living killing pets and seeking food in (one CA cougar just invaded a CA bedroom where a Mom and child were to kill and take their pet do back out) and around homes, schools, bus stops, etc. – if all these and more such panther/human destructive policies are what you want then, like the definition of insanity, as “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome” would indicate no need for your review and your report could read just like a US Navy Ship’s Log Entry when underway in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in calm, sunny weather when no course or other change takes place, i.e. “Steaming as Before.”

Finally, recent history when viewed honestly shows a genetic/DNA mixing of FL mtn. lions as several “Tom, Dicks and Harries” introduced pumas either into a panther-free environment or amongst a few remnant cougars in S. Florida. Whatever those cats may be or be said to be, they are no different than “red” wolves (i.e. dog/coyote/wolf crosses), or “native” wolves introduced into the Upper Rockies 25 years ago with stolen money that were taken from (Alberta?/Saskatchewan?/ Yukon?/British Columbia?) that is to say they are mongrels under the government rules that allow such rationales to oppress rural Americans while such silliness is justification for the federal bureaucracy to:

A.) Take private property without compensation, B.) Frivolously say they are not responsible for the game / dogs / cats / calves / kids / goats / cows / sheep / lambs / etc. that these federally introduced predators kill and maim routinely, C.) Continue subverting the State Wildlife Agency and State Parks Agency to enabling federal bureaucrat’s Budget and Personnel-Building instead of opposing the federal actions that are bollixing-up S Florida and representing the welfare and wishes of state residents instead of federal bureaucrats or environmental/animal rights’ extremists.

A Short List of how the federal government has and is bollixing-up S Florida would include”

- Changing the sheet water drainage South over the Everglades thereby demolishing freshwater fisheries, boating and natural biomes. - Draining polluted water through the Big Cypress from Okeechobee out through Cape Coral thereby poisoning fisheries and boating water quality. - Establishing and refusing to manage an over-abundance of black bears while covering up incidents much as is being done with wolf and grizzly bear attacks and damages being covered up in many other states. - Allowing the importation of pythons, constrictors and a myriad of other dangerous and destructive wild animals, plants and fish that are infesting S Florida wildlands, rural precincts, suburbs and cities. This occurred while federal import enforcers had all the authority to ban their entry for over 80 years yet looked the other way for more money and personnel for the sexier things like Endangered Species and Invasive Species Authority that built budgets and gave what, 50 years ago, was once Constitutionally and practically unimaginable power and authority to federal bureaucrats.

For these and other reasons I could list if I had the time, the “Florida panther” should be delisted entirely and not just “returned management to the state” like the scam being perpetrated with “all” (in fact only one) wolf species and the grizzly bears.

Delisting entirely means that truly and honestly the “panthers” or wolves or grizzly bears are REALLY under the management of state authority (i.e. the residents of that particular state and especially those expected to live and prosper where they occur or pop up!) Their areas of tolerance, their numbers, their densities, indeed their very existence within the State are the sole concern of the residents of that particular State

Management is returned to the State is simply psychobabble. The subject animals : 1. Are Placed by federal fiat using stolen money when necessary, 2. Are Spread and protected by hijacked federal authority and even 3. Costs and damages are distorted and hidden,

4. Areas and minimum numbers for animals (impervious to accurate counting) accompany the “Return” and can be a trigger given any favorable court or changing political circumstances to take back (i.e. Re-seize) federal authority. Meanwhile the residents of the State must pick up all the contrived costs of “Managing” and continue to absorb all the damages and dangers created by an out-of-control federal program that is a poor substitute for Constitutional processes and an informed citizenry concerned with BOTH wildlife AND human prosperity.

In truth, “returning management” of these harmful animals to States is like Russia making “People’s Republics” or “Democratic Socialist Republics” out of formerly free countries after conquering them and then telling them they have to pay all the bills and do as Moscow dictates – or else.

Dissolving any and all federal authority over any and all “New World” members of the species Felis concolor is best for the cats, best for Florida and best for America. Apply the federal money saved toward the cuts USFWS is taking and we will all appreciate a job well done.

With All Sincerity,

Jim Beers 522 Brooklyn Court Eagan, MN 55123

From: David Shindle To: David Shindle Subject: 5 Year Review text comment 10JUN2017 Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 9:49:19 AM Attachments: Untitled attachment 16244.txt IMG_0911.PNG From: David Shindle To: David Shindle Subject: 5 Year Review text comment Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 9:39:41 AM Attachments: Untitled attachment 16699.txt IMG_0910.PNG From: David Shindle To: David Shindle Subject: 5-Year Review Public comment via text Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 8:28:03 AM Attachments: Untitled attachment 15153.txt IMG_0914.PNG From: John Parks To: [email protected] Subject: 82 FR 29916 29918 - 5 Year Review - Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 6:58:47 PM

Any review evaluating the endangered species designation of the Florida Panther must be conducted with the primary goal of protecting this panther from extinction. Information I have researched indicates the number of around 20 panthers in the 1990's has only rebounded to just over 200 hundred in the region, hardly a number that lends itself to de-listing its "endangered" status especially considering the number of highway deaths alone each year. Coupled with shrinking habitat, endangered species listing is still necessary to protect the Florida Panther.

Thank you,

John Parks 7507 4th Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34209 From: Matt K To: [email protected] Subject: Article in Tampa Bay Times regarding the Florida panther. Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 11:26:33 AM

I feel the Florida panther should retain its protected status.

Best regards

Matt J. Kowalski From: Joshua Henson To: [email protected] Subject: Cats Date: Sunday, July 2, 2017 9:59:02 AM

Greetings, It has come to my attention that there is a proposal that the "Florida Panther" might be coming off the endangered species list and I do believe that it should. The Everglades being a fragile ecosystem has reached over is carrying capacity for the panther. Here in South West Florida there are more and more cases of live stock, pets being killed, and collisions with cars. In my opinion if the Feds wanted to keep a healthy population of cats in south Florida the Feds should have never killed off one of there primary food sources the Wild Hog. Now with biologist throwing off the balance of things by letting go a bigger cat into the ecosystem has turned things upside down. As a south Florida native and 20 years old and being a avid hunter in the big cypress national preserve I have noticed the decline in the deer population in the last 7-8 before seeing herds of 12-20 or 30 a day, counting 5-10 all weekend. In my opinion and what I've witnessed this program or experiment was a complete failure, all it did was help destroy the ecosystem, put family's in SW Florida in danger and a headache for ranchers literally eating away they're way of life. If you ask me it's survival of the fittest and the National Park Service put the entire fur baring animal population in jeopardy when they eradicated the wild hog population being the hogs have been here since the Spaniards first came to America in the 1500 almost 200 years before we became a country. In my opinion the "Panther" population should be left alone wild hogs should be reintroduced to sw Florida and south Florida and let it be let nature take its course and if the panted population did die out then oh well survival of the fittest. But thank you for your time if you do end up reading this and hope it's serves you some value

Sent from my iPhone From: Larry E. Fink To: [email protected] Cc: Everglades Restoration; FL-LOXAHATCHEE-FORUM Subject: Comment on Reevaluation of Florida Panther Status under the ESA Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 1:57:18 AM

Comment on Reevaluation of Florida Panther Status under the ESA

July 12, 2017

Dear Dr. Shindle:

Even if the Florida panther is not a genetically distinct subpopulation from the remaining cougar populations west of the Mississippi River, it is at risk of local extinction precisely because the corridors originally connecting the Texas cougar population to the Florida panther population were cut off due to human development, such that the Florida panther population became isolated and inbred to the brink of extinction until the Texas cougar population was artificially reconnected to the Florida panther population by the outbreeding program. Unless the corridors connecting the Texas cougar population to the Florida panther population are designated prime habitat for purposes of restoring the connection between these populations, thereby reducing the threat of local extinction, the Florida panther population in South Florida should remain designated as threatened under the ESA and sufficient landscape area with connecting corridors should be designated as prime Florida panther habitat to ensure the self-sustaining reproductive success of the outbred Florida panther population in South Florida without the natural corridor connecting it to the Texas cougar population.

Larry E. Fink, M.S.

Owner and Principal

Waterwise Consulting, LLC From: andrea degeorge To: [email protected] Subject: comment on removing the Florida Panther"s protected status Date: Saturday, July 15, 2017 12:32:19 PM

Good afternoon,

I am writing to inform you of my opposition to removing Florida Panthers from the endangered species list and ending their protections. There are nowhere near enough Florida Panthers to remove their protections. These animals need our protection.

Thank you for your time,

Andrea DeGeorge 1448 Heather Court St. Augustine, FL 32092 From: Frank Denninger To: David.shindle Subject: Comments for panther status and sub-species status review Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 6:37:50 PM

Hello Mr Shindle,

At long last the truth begins to rise to the surface of the swamps. I appreciate the USFWS request for public comments concerning the "endangered" status of the Panther population in Florida and whether they should be classified as a separate sub-species. Notice I didn't refer to this animal as agencies do with the word "Florida" as a prefix to the sub-species classification.

I never have believed that a cat that looks exactly like all the other cats named panther, catamount, cougar etc. was a separate sub-species - just didn't make sense to me - but I'm not a scientist right - so what do I know. I am just someone who has walked, paddled, poled and used ORVs in South Florida swamps for around 55 years now while being engaged in management plan development decision making on public lands for around 25 of those years.

Back around 1991 to1993 while participating in a Fl Game and Fish Commission meeting in Jacksonville an FWC regional director gave me a copy of Defenders of Wildlife magazine. It contained a lengthy article authored by David Maehr about panthers explaining their status, habits and a few conclusions that I questioned. Eventually I called a person mentioned in this article Todd Logan or Dennis Jordan I believe. We spoke at length and eventually I inquired as to how they knew the cat was a separate sub-species (back then dna was beginning to be talked about much more in public). He explained that dna is how science determined the cat in Florida was a separate species. I countered by stating something like - Isn't dna like a fingerprint - that's what they say on Television news? He agreed and said that's how we know the cat is the Florida Panther. I then mentioned that if it is a fingerprint of sorts that all fingerprints are different and if science's conclusion is correct that it could also mean that he and I were different sub-species as per that theory. So, we concluded our discussion and I went away with grave doubts as to the ethics of those involved in panther studies.

Then around 1996 to 1998 I bought a book titled "Swamp Screamer" authored by Charles Fergus which added fuel to my doubts about the conclusions of those studying and reporting to the public on panther's separate sub-species status as well as other related issues. I will paste here an excerpt from pages 118 and 119 of the book to verify my claim -

************************

Beginning at paragraph 2 on page 118:

Roelke went to O’briens laboratory in Maryland and learned his arcane practices. She applied them to blood samples she had been hoarding from Florida panthers. She compared the genetic material to that of 8 other North American puma subspecies and 3 South American subspecies. (These were all the races from which biologists and veterinarians had secured tissue or blood samples.) The indicator on which she focused was a distinctive form of an enzyme called “adenosine phosphoribosyl transferase”, or APRT. Roelke and O’brien concluded that 7 panthers in Everglades National Park had descended, at least in part, from Central or South America. Also the South American genes had crossed the Shark River Slough (one wandering cat could have done it) and infiltrated the main cluster of panthers in Big Cypress ecosystem.

Roelke studied the archives of Everglades National Park and learned that a small private menagerie, Everglades Wonder Gardens of Bonita Springs, Florida, had turned loose at least 7 captive pumas between 1957 and 1965. Apparently park administrators had wanted to boost the panther’s population even back then, and no doubt they were under the impression that the imports were pure Florida panthers. Thirty years later, Everglades Wonder Gardens was still in business. Roelke went and checked on their cats. She zeroed in on an ancient female named Fatima. With the permission of Lester Piper, the menagerie’s owner, Roelke trimmed Fatima’s toenails. Also, she snuck a syringe of her blood: South American APRT.

On to page 119

“ No one wants to admit it.” Roelke said “but apparently a tame female from the East coast was brought into the menagerie in the fifties.” Maybe she came from Central America. Or from French Guiana, where the native puma had such a reddish cast to its coat that it is called tigre rouge. In any event, a cross-bred panther had made it into the wild. Five, six, seven generations later, the chromosomal contributions of at least one foreign cat could still be detected.

Which meant that Florida’s panthers were cross-bred. They were still overwhelmingly Felis Concolor coryi, but they were not purely so. In several scientific papers, Roelke and O’brien referred to the cross-bred cats as “heretical”, which was a polite of calling them hybrids. It seemed that the outside genes had given a boost to the panthers’ overall health. It was as if, say, several Haitian immigrants had been somehow accepted into an isolated Amish community in which, due to inbreeding, half the children were being born as dwarfs. After a few generations there would be darker- skinned Amish plowing the fields, fewer of whom would be three feet tall.

Yet if the panther was helped biologically by this influx of genes, it had been compromised politically. The Endangered Species Act bestows protection on the Florida Panther. It provides funding to aid in its restoration. It disallows the wholesale plundering of its habitat. It scares the hell out of corporations poised to turn thousand acre tracts of panther-friendly pine forest into orderly, profitable rows of orange and grapefruit trees. The Endangered Species does not apply to hybrids.

End of page 119 of “Swamp Screamer” author Charles Fergus ph By the way I installed the bold type and underline in this excerpt.

**************************************

From the time I read this book (maybe 1999) until today I have been troubled by what it taught me regardless of the panther scientists who scoffed at this book's content (didn't align with their science) whenever I mentioned it to them at various meetings over the last 20+ years.

To conclude my comments as to the sub-species status portion USFWS's request I will simply reiterate that I do NOT believe the panthers located anywhere in Florida should have ever been classified a separate sub-species and furthermore as per the excerpt above never deserved one dollar of endangered species act funding but got the $$$ based on misinformation and cute intellectual trickery provided by the likes of Melody Roellke and Stephen O'Brien who could have told the truth decades ago but didn't.

Multiplying what happened here 100 times elsewhere in the Nation regarding other questionable endangered species listings and one might begin to understand why a guy named Donald is now the POTUS.

Moving on to current habitat, population trends and threats the following thoughts come to mind.

The panther population is already and has been for some time way over reasonable carrying capacity if one compares USFWS acres per cat per gender requirements claims. South of Lake Okeechobee has about 6 million acres available when in reality 12 million acres should be available if only 160 cats 50/50 male/female were out there. Considering the way male cats kill each other for territory and breeding rights the past and current could be likened to animal abuse if panthers were domestic animals but they are not nor are there any animal abuse laws I could find that apply to wild animals.

Many millions of dollars get spent on Panther so called wildlife crossings in Florida to preserve the numbers of cats in order to meet whatever arbitrary criteria has been set to determine when the so called endangered species of panthers can be delisted. Depending on one's perspective this may be fine but from other perspectives it may not be fine. Such as some agency representatives having said publicly over the years that vehicles killing cats actually aid in controlling their population and that - ' there's no more room at the Inn for them' - Darrel Land/Naples News in the past. Possibly consideration should be given to limiting underpass construction as a population control tool due to the massive problems panthers cause landowners in S and SW Florida due to being above carrying capacity in the region. Let's face the fact - that it is very likely nobody has ever recorded how many panthers were in So Florida prior to declaring them endangered many years ago - so with no accurate historical population base line how does any entity determine a reasonable restored population number that is anything other than a wild guess especially when factoring in development of all sorts and habitat loss over the last 100 years and future development that is sure to happen. Then there are some organizations (Defenders of Wildlife) and individuals (Reed F Noss, Daniel Smith both mentored by Larry Harris at UCF) that have made millions from advocating for more and more underpasses so they can tout those advocacy accomplishments to unsuspecting members and reap the contribution revenues in over and over and over - the beat just keeps going on. Hopefully this status review will lead to a paradigm shift of this common cat species's status as well as overall wildlife management focus by agencies especially in SW Florida.

Due to land requirements per copy of these cats it is clear that there will never be enough space for them to reach previously expressed delisting goals without causing serious harm to panthers (them killing each other and crossing roads in search of a new home range due to crowding) and human safety and general needs (e.g. space for homes, safety and welfare of people). With that in mind even translocation of panthers that conflict with people cannot be done in a safe proper manner due to habitat confines and public resistance. According to the book titled "Cougar Management Guidelines" used as the guide in Florida as per Darrel Land whom a friend bought my copy from. The expert authors specified that in order to relocate a panther properly (for keeps) it must be taken at least 480 km (298 miles) from where it is captured - in So Florida the move is more like 20 to 50 miles - not even close to what the expert book authors (Cougar Management Guidelines Working Group 2015) recommend. Habitat constraints are just another vector that introduce/force unavoidable unsustainable bad/wrong decision into panther management of an "endangered " species thus the need to delist this common (NOT separate) species to threatened which might allow the flexibility in toady's real world.

My hope is that comments such as these received by USFWS will lead to much more reasonable and balanced wildlife management in Florida that is never again focused so heavily on one species to the detriment of all others as has happened with Panther and Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow management due to their overarching endangered statuses.

Good Luck with this Task.

Virus-free. www.avg.com From: Raquel Lopez To: [email protected] Subject: Concern Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 10:38:37 AM

Good morning, Mr. Shindle. I read an article that the US Fish & Wildlife was looking at the possibility of removing the Florida Panther from the endangered list and it named you as the contact. I am writing to ask that you please rethink this and keep our Florida Panthers protected as we have so few left in the wild. They deserve to thrive in the little bit of habitat they have left. Thank you!

Raquel Lopez Sent from my iPad From: Jan & Geoff Dundas To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Continued Endangered Species Status for the Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 31, 2017 7:27:59 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

We understand that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is currently reviewing the Endangered Species status of the Florida Panther.

We both wish to register our sincere and strongest request that the FWS does continue to protect the beautiful Florida Panther by keeping it on the Endangered Species List. Your online maps of the species' current range and location (https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A008) is an excellent example of why it is so important to continue to protect our Florida Panthers with your continued Endangered Species designation. The continued population growth and development in Southwest Florida makes it ever more critical that these beautiful animals be provided with that designation protection.

Please consider our request and protect our Florida Panthers.

Sincerely, Geoff Dundas [email protected]

Jan Dundas [email protected] From: Diana Wolcott To: [email protected] Subject: cougars Date: Monday, July 31, 2017 2:56:51 PM

Please do not remove the cougar from endngerd listing. We need these animals and should do everything in our power to save their lives. Same thing for the manitys! Thankyou, Diana Wolcott a florida resident From: Peter Galiette To: [email protected] Subject: Defend the Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 6:33:42 AM

Good morning David,

We must protect the Florida Panther, PLEASE KEEP THEM ON THE ENDANGERED SPECIE LISTING!

For our children, our state history and culture, do not waiver. In the nineties we battled, we must continue to save their existence.

Many thanks for your support,

Peter

Peter M Galiette, District Manager Finn Foodservice 14605 McCormick Dr Tampa, FL 33626 Cell: (954) | Fax: (813)

[email protected] | www.FinnFS.com

Please send all Purchase Orders to [email protected] Please send all Quote Requests to [email protected]

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Delisting Panthers Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 4:16:48 PM

David - a few weeks ago I sent you a list of reasons why I thought the Florida panther should be delisted. The crux of my comments was that there is really no such thing as a genetically true "Florida" panther that distinguishes it from any North American cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount. That's why they can import cats from elsewhere to expand the population.

I'm going to concentrate on another aspect of the issue - their habitat. We all know that ecosystems change and evolve over time depending on external drivers. South Florida is in the path of a very big driver called Sea Level Rise. The projections for the rate of rise get worse almost weekly, with every scientific report. Of course there are skeptics, but I like to divorce SLR from climate change or anthropogenic global warming. Who cares why it's happening - it's happening. The seas are definitely rising faster every year. If there's any doubt, just sign up for the Google News Alert on Sea Level Rise.

As the water level rises, the Everglades (as we know them) will disappear over the span of a couple of decades. No one is planning for that contingency. They're all interested in "restoration". Restored to what? A few thousand years ago it was a totally different ecosystem https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808639/ and it's about to change again. We have an arbitrarily selected time frame that we want the ecosystem to remain in and an arbitrary selection of fauna (cougars, exotic vegetation, pythons, et al.) that we want to preserve. Why?

Madness.

Respectfully,

Stan Chrzanowski, P.E. (Retired) County Engineer (retired) Collier County

Member - Collier County Planning Commission and Collier County Development Services Advisory Council

Secretary - Collier Sportsmens and Conservation Club (since 1992) and Reserve Officers Association, Chapter 27, Marco-Naples From: Julie Froeschle To: [email protected] Subject: De-listing panthers Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 8:42:06 AM

Good morning! I am writing to stop the de-listing of the Fl. panther. Please keep them on the endangered list.

Julie Froeschle

Relax Realty Group Inc. [email protected] From: Diane Desenberg To: [email protected] Subject: delisting the panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:51:28 PM

Do not delist the Florida panther from the endangered species list. There are only one or two hundred left in Florida. Such a low number of panthers probably makes it impossible for them to have a comeback as it is.

In 2016, 42 panthers died. More than 80% of those dealths involved vehicles.

Rather than delisting, we need to increase the area which they inhabit. Over the years, it has grown smaller and smaller, making it harder and harder for them to survive.

Panthers are endangered; they belong on the endangered list, so they can be better protected.

Thank you, Diane Desenberg

From: Terry Murphy To: [email protected]; terry murphy Subject: DO NOT CHANGE THE DESIGNATION ON THE FLORIDA PANTHER Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 11:23:25 AM

Everyone is precious and to many are being found dead, especially hit by cars. We need to step up ways for animals to get across roads, especially 528.

Terry Murphy Palm Bay, FL From: Laura Friedman To: [email protected] Subject: DO NOT CHANGE THE FLORIDA PANTHER STATUS! KEEP IT LISTED AND PROTECTED! Date: Sunday, July 16, 2017 1:05:03 AM

Please refrain from de-listing and/or changing the status of the Florid panther as endangered.

Development causing habitat loss, road kills and poaching continue to be insurmountably threats for this species.

Dozens of new applications for construction, mines, and other projects are currently being considered in panther habitat. Your agency is in the process of reviewing a development plan in Collier County that would build A CITY THE SIZE OF WASHINGTON D.C. in the very heart of panther territory! approving such a project will never be in wildlife's best interest and particularly, in the interest of the survival of the critically endangered Florida panther.

Instead of changing the recovery goals FWS should re-commit to protecting Florida's cat. The fate of many other species is closely tied to the fate of the panther. Delisting it or modifying its status at all, would lead to significant problems with other species and even the morphology of a region already severely altered by all sort of human activities.

Keep the Florid panther in the list of endangered and protected species!

Ms. Laura Friedman 211 W 85th St New York, NY 10024 US From: Laura Harrigan To: [email protected] Subject: Do not change the Florida panther"s status! Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 12:07:15 AM

Please do not change the Florida panther's protective status from endangered. The 200 or less panthers that live in this area cannot afford this status downgrade; it will essentially be assuring their complete disappearance from Florida altogether.

Road kills, habitat loss and development of panther habitat continue to be threats to these cats. Dozens of applications for new construction, including mines and other projects are currently being considered in panther habitat. Your agency is currently in the process of reviewing a development plan in Collier County that would build a city the size of Washington D.C. in the heart of panther territory!

Does the FWS really want the guilty weight of the Florida panther's extinction forever riding on their shoulders?

Instead of changing the recovery goals of the panther, FWS should re-commit to protecting them.

Ms. Laura Harrigan 901 Old Falmouth Rd Marstons Mills, MA 02648 US 7742382101 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Do not cowtow to corrupt interests (hunters and racnhers) and PROTECT the Florida Panther. Do you care? Date: Sunday, July 16, 2017 11:22:59 AM

As you know, hunters and ranchers and other corrupt interests are itching to remove protections from the Florida panther so thye can kill them all. Real estate developers are the worst. Once the protections are removed they can destroy the habitat of the panthers to put up strip malls and other buildings which in all likelihood will be abandoned in 5 yrs time. They overbuild to greedily make as much money in as short a time as possible.

Do not let such vile interests win the day. Do you care at all? If you do then say no to the corrupt interests.

Vince From: Lisa Sobota To: [email protected] Subject: DO NOT De-list the Florda Panther from the Endangered Species List! Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 7:41:30 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I received a CALL TO ACTION that I am deeply concerned about, I understand that FLORIDA PANTHERS MAY BE DELISTED BY THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT. I want to tell you resoundingly NO, I do not want the panther de-listed, only 120 to about 230 are known to be alive in FL. How can an animal with population numbers this low be even considered for de-listing?

2016 was the deadliest year ever for Florida panthers. A total of 42 panthers died last year, matching the 2015 totals. More than 80 percent of the deaths involved panthers killed by motor vehicles. Florida Panthers have been considered endangered since 1967. Their habitat has shrunk considerably since then. Please do not de-list the Florida Panther, expand and protect their chances for survival and habitat. Thank you.

- Lisa Sobota Sarasota, FL 34235 From: Margo Rose To: [email protected] Subject: DO NOT delist the panther, please Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 6:07:18 PM Importance: High

Ref: this story below. http://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2017/06/30/u-s-fish-and-wildlife-service- review-florida-panthers-endangered-status/443699001/ After such a struggle to keep them alive, Why WHY might you consider this? Please, just, NO Margo Rose, Owner Slip Aweigh Charters, Inc.

Cell: Home office: www.slipaweighcharters.com Member: CYBA Charteryacht Brokers Assoc. www.cyba.net Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlipAweighYachtCharters/

From: The Omans Family To: [email protected] Subject: Do Not Downlist Florida panthers due to mixed DNA Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 8:37:58 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will review whether Florida panthers are still an endangered species. The review, which is required every 5 years under the Endangered Species Act, comes amid growing calls from hunters and ranchers to take the big cats off the endangered species list in response to population growth. Officials, this time, say they will be looking at the Florida Panther's genetic relationship to the cougar population outside of Florida, which could be a pretext for downlisting. Please do your part in ensuring Florida panthers are not downlisted due to mixed DNA.

Sincerely, Jeff and Valerie Omans Florida Residents

From: Roberto Romo To: [email protected] Subject: Don"t change the Florida panther"s status! Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 2:37:23 AM

Please do not change the Florida panther's protective status from endangered.

Road kills, habitat loss and development of panther habitat continue to be threats. Dozens of applications for new construction, mines, and other projects are currently being considered in panther habitat. In fact, your agency is in the process of reviewing a development plan in Collier County that would build a city the size of Washington D.C. in the heart of panther territory!

Instead of changing the recovery goals FWS should re-commit to protecting Florida's cat.

Roberto Romo 3227 Anza Street San Francisco, CA 94121 US 4157020519 From: Barbara Genthner Moritz To: [email protected] Subject: Endangered species list Date: Thursday, July 6, 2017 9:02:15 AM

I fully support the Florida Panther and mantees being kept on the endangered list. They should not be downgraded. B G Moritz

Barbara Genthner Moritz [email protected] From: Denise Hunt To: [email protected] Subject: Endangered Species Status of Florida Panther - Please Do Not Remove Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 8:42:46 AM

Please do not remove the Florida Panther from the endangered status. There are only approximately 230 of these beautiful cats in the wild. They need all the help they can get to survive.

Denise Hunt From: Wendy Doll To: [email protected] Subject: Endangered Species Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 8:40:56 PM

As a Florida resident, I want to see the Endangered Species Act stay just that. We as citizens of this beautiful country need to protect all of our wildlife before they all disappear or are hunted and gone forever. This is happening all over our country and I for one find this appalling. They have the right to live and be free just as much as all of us. We need to learn and appreciate the beautiful wildlife we have the privilege living among us. Through education and listening to our scientists we can do this. Thank you for listening.

Sincerely, Wendy Doll From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Ending the endangered status of Florida panthers Date: Friday, July 28, 2017 11:27:11 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I have lived in central Florida for 15 years. My husband and I have visited many of the state parks enjoying the diversity of the wildlife Florida is blessed with. I believe with only an estimated 220 cats in the wild, we do not have a sufficient population to justify moving the species off the endangered list. We also do not have sufficient habitat to meet the criteria for changing the species listing. On average, two panthers a month die on southwest Florida roads along stretches where designated wildlife crossings haven't been put in.

We need to keep working to nurture these magnificent cats-our state animal to ensure that future generations of Floridians will have the opportunity to view them in the wild.

Sincerely, Kathy Hershey From: Joseph Hendricksen To: [email protected] Subject: Fl Panther Date: Sunday, July 2, 2017 11:21:16 AM

First off the video below is from our surveillance cameras at 3001 Smith Rd, Naples FL. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XXZlQcQRGBQ

I have nothing against trying to preserve the FL Panther. That being said, there are a few points I'd like to point out against spending money on their protected status. 1) The original genetics of the FL Panther are diluted or gone, and what's left is basically just an American mountain lion / cougar / puma which is not in jeopardy in the US. 2) Florida has lost too much habitat to support a viable genetic diversity for these cats to thrive, much less survive. 3) The current policies on not removing or euthanizing problem panthers is costing millions for local farmers, creating a lot of angry tax paying homeowners, and increasing dangerous situations for humans. Eventually one will attack and kill someone, we all know it's coming. Is it going to be your child it drags off in broad daylight instead of a goat? Yes, I have a better chance of getting hit by lightning but that won't matter to the parent that it happens to. Especially when problem cats could be put down without too much damage to the current population. 4) Removing cats not scared of humans would help improve the genetics of the cat by natural selection, decision and trapping to be done responsibly by FWC. Putting collars on cats near humans to track them would help as well to identify problem animals. 5) Allowing them to prey on cats, dogs and farm animals to sustain the population is a poor solution that is generating negative feelings from landowners.

In the year since we bought our property, we have lost 2 goats, one pregnant, 3 house cats, and more ducks and chickens than I can count. Only one can we prove was a Panther.

Sent from my iPad From: Laura Huffman To: [email protected] Subject: FL panther status Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 6:41:37 PM

I support keeping Panthers listed as endangered. Laura Huffman Orlando Florida 32812 From: Tucker Greene To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 8:27:08 AM

Leave cat as endangered...too many humans

Tucker Greene From: Marcus Lackey To: David_Shindle Cc: Debbie Hooks Subject: FL Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 7:14:56 PM

Hi,

I am strongly opposed to removing the Florida Panther from the endangered species list. Our ever-growing population continues to restrict where these rare creatures can live. Please protect them.

Thanks, Marcus Lackey Pensacola, FL 32514 From: Samantha Gentrup To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:24:49 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I am a Florida resident (Port Charlotte, FL - Charlotte County) and I'm writing to you to ask that you please keep the FL Panther on the endangered species list. I have been active in the effort to protect the FL Black Bear and am fully aware of the path that the state of FL pursued to have the black bear removed from federal protection so that they could be hunted. This is the same path that the state of FL is pursuing so that the ranchers, developers, and trophy hunters of this state can hunt the FL Panther. As you have seen from the public outcry against a hunt of the FL Black Bear, the people of FL want to protect our wildlife, not hunt and kill them. If the FL Panther loses federal protection, it is guaranteed that the ranchers, hunters, and developers that hold key positions of power in the state of FL will move forward with a hunt of these animals. We cannot allow this to happen.

Please keep the FL Panther as a protected species.

Thank you for your time.

Samantha Gentrup From: Paul To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 10:30:47 AM

Sir, as a Miami born and raised and concerned fan of the Everglades for over six decades, I implore you to protect one of the truly unique treasures of our state, the panther. The Everglades, and it's creatures, have been assailed with a never ending barrage of every kind of insult and damage. SAVE the Everglades and its most threatened inhabitant. It's the very least that we can do for it and its most recognized resident. Thanks, in advance, for your consideration. Paul

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail From: Theresa Henshaw To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 9:18:50 AM

It is absolutely crucial the Florida Panther remain on the endangered species list. Thank you

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone From: K GIVENS To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 9:08:28 AM

As I understand it, the panthers have not reached this point, so why are they being considered for down listing? This is our STATE animal! It was here first representing Florida and deserves every resource available to protect it and help it thrive. Rick Scott & Liesa Priddy are not wildlife experts and both have their own interest and agenda.

DO NOT DOWNLIST!!

Sincerely,

Kimberly Givens FL Native From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: FL Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 8:03:15 PM

Please do whatever you can to protect the FL panther. This is our state animal, and so few are left due to development as well as vehicle accidents. We need more passages for them along highways, under highways or over them. I fear that young people will never get to see one of these lovely creatures, let alone us adults. The only one I've seen is in a zoo. I often wish we could stop more developments, stop paving over the land, stop cutting down all the native trees, etc. So, whatever we can do to protect native species, we should do that!

Lynne Hill 123 Briarwood Ct. Cocoa, FL 32926 From: Courtney Santorella To: [email protected] Subject: Fl Panthers Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 9:48:57 AM

Please protect our Fl Panthers. Please keep them on the Endangered Species Act. Thank-you! Courtney Santorella Jensen beach

Sent from my iPhone From: Julie Hein To: [email protected] Subject: FL panthers need to stay on the endangered list! Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 11:56:02 PM

Please do not change the Florida panther's protective status from endangered.

Instead of changing the recovery goals FWS should re-commit to protecting Florida's cat.

Mr. Julie Hein 2533 Brookmar Dr York, PA 17408 US 7177925202y From: Brenda H Nixon To: [email protected] Subject: FL panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 1:39:01 PM

Please do not downgrade the status of panthers. Just today, it was reported that a female panther had been killed in a car collision near Naples. With 17 panther deaths in only 6 ½ months, and 13 of those in collisions, this is no time to lose any more. Keep Florida Wild!! Brenda Harris Nixon and George Aldrich – 902 Pinellas St. – Clearwater, FL 33756. (727) From: Ceci LaDuca To: [email protected] Subject: FL panthers Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 2:10:54 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle: Please do what you can to keep the Florida panther on the endangered species list. There are still too few left. 200+ panthers is just not enough to lessen the protection to their species.

Thank you very much.

Ceci LaDuca Tampa, FL From: Catherine Diaz To: [email protected] Subject: Fl. Panther Protection Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 1:45:58 PM

I hope every effort is made to continue our panthers being considered an endangered species. They are magnificent in the wild and I was lucky enough to have seen one-unbelievably beautiful. We need to preserve our Florida panthers for future generations. Please speak in favor of the Endangered Species Act. Thank you.

Catherine Diaz 15 Palm Rd Stuart, Fl. 34996 From: Deborah Llopiz To: [email protected] Subject: Fl. Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:26:06 AM

Dear David,

I agree with the editorial this morning and ask to please put the Florida Panther on the endangered species protection list.

Thank you, Debbie Llopiz From: Paul Steffenhagen To: [email protected] Cc: Paul Steffenhagen Subject: Fla Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 1:30:00 PM

Whether this animal is classified as a Florida panther or a "distinct population segment" of the puma it is a native ranging animal and it deserves protection. Florida has 20 million people and 200 panthers! It's a pretty sad day when you can't protect 200 measly cats.

From: M J To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther - don"t delist! Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 1:44:46 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

The Florida panther has teetered on the edge of extinction for many years. It needs the protection its endangered status gives it. It needs habitat preservation, among other things, more than we need more development, for example.

Please stand up for this Florida native.

Another native Floridian, Mary Jackson From: Diane Brown To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther - Endangered Species Protection Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 4:39:24 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

One voice multiplied many times may just help our FL Panther.

There are lots of folks that would lament their passing into the annals of history. But we should not allow that to happen.

I know we can't eliminate those killed by vehicles to a large degree. Known road crossings for the Panther should be clearly marked. Fines perhaps for those that deliberately kill a Panther. You know best what can be done.

It was done previously when the numbers of Panthers dwindled to near extinction. Please lead the charge to leave the protections in place and promote the safety needed to perpetuate these majestic mammals.

Diane E. Brown [email protected] From: Chris Bledsoe To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther - Keep on Endangered Species List Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 8:52:15 AM

I'm a Florida resident and I'm writing to inform you that I'm against removing the Florida panther from the endangered species list. From: George Apthorp To: david shindle Subject: Florida Panther - Long Road to Recovery Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 9:43:36 PM

Mr Shindle,

Please do not encourage the likes of Mrs Priddy who are motivated by selfish interest rather than science and endangered species management. Please do not allow the Florida panther to be removed from the endangered species list.

George E Apthorp 2888 Spring Creek Highway Crawfordville, Fl 32327

From: Tessa Friederichs To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther - protect them Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 6:41:15 PM

Dear David,

I'm writing to encourage the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to protect, foster and grow the Florida Panthers endangered species protections. The federal government should do everything possible to protect Florida's wild heritage and protect the few remaining panthers. Let's put an end to this current path to extinction.

Concerned,

Tessa Friederichs Palm Bay, Florida

Sent from my iPhone From: Lady Oz To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 12:09:01 PM

Mr. Shindle;

With the ever tightening control of the Republican party and its “damn the environment and wildlife” kleptocracy, I have great fear over any review of wildlife policy. Specifically, I know they would love to have the Florida Panther demoted or even completely delisted so their protected habitat could be developed for profit.

That the Florida Panther was terrifyingly close to extinction (due to humans) and that its genetics had to augmented by cross-breeding should never be held against its distinction as separate and apart from western puma. With the deaths from vehicles, habitat destruction, and that its population will also suffer from the damages of climate change, the panther must continue to be listed as endangered.

I never ceased to be amazed at the attitude of humans that the populations of all other creatures on this planet must be managed, controlled, and limited. Human over-population is rampant and horrifically destructive, yet there is never even a whiff of discussion of controlling our numbers. The hubris that 200 hundred panthers in an ever development-shrinking wild country, hit by vehicles in increasing numbers, undoubtedly shot-and-shoveled, poisoned, and squeezed by humans should receive less protection is nothing less than vile.

I chose not to have children for many reasons, paramount that there are just too many humans, too destructive, too demanding of resources. The real test for humankind now is to ensure that wildlife has a place in the world we have already so horribly damaged and are well on track to damaging far, far more. Do not let political or short-sighted human greed supercede what is required of your office: protect the Florida Panther at the highest levels, because they are at the highest level of danger from us.

Sincerely, Raean E. Permenter Floral City, Florida

From: Frankenberger, William B NFG NG FLARNG (US) To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 12:59:28 PM

I wanted to chime in on the status of the Florida panther issue. I worked with the Florida panther recovery team from 1978-1990. Most of that time was spent doing field work in the Big Cypress, Everglades NP, the future Florida Panther NWR, the Fakahatchee Strand and other nearby locations. From close observation of this species and their use of those special habitats, I feel that the population of panthers found in Florida should be treated as something like a "closed group" that has adapted to the south Florida environment. They have adapted to warm weather, low populations of large prey and wet conditions. This is not to say that if transported to another region of North America they couldn't survive, because they would, but they've evidently been isolated rather far from any others of their genus for a long time.

You're probably already aware of this information, but maybe I can bolster part of the ongoing discussion.

Certified Wildlife Biologist Camp Blanding Land Management Office Integrated Training Area Management Office Phone Cell Phone One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds - Aldo Leopold in Sand County Almanac From: Georgia To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 9:05:51 PM

Dear David, I am a 30 year Florida resident, with strong conservation values. I believe the Florida Panther must continue to be on the Endangered list and have the protections that comes with the designation. Animals such as the panther and the Florida Scrub Jay are in serious trouble for their survival. We need to be sure they survive for future generations. We cannot let our guard down. Thank you Georgia Binderow From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther :Endangered Review Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 5:59:58 PM

A letter to David Shindle with the Us fish and Wildlife Service to protect our panthers and keep them on the endangered species list. This is public input.Like to see this in commentary soon. Thanks News-Press

David:Please do not change the Florida panthers endangered status. Not until we have over 1,000 panthers in 3 different states should this be changed from Endangered.

Right now the Florida panthers are being killed at an alarming rate on our roads.We need multiple police patrols in panther habitat areas . Find money for more patrols. Another panther was found dead on our roads yesterday. See my letter to the editor in the News-Press , Ft. Myers. So far 13 panthers have been killed this year on our roads. With nothing done to stop this carnage and disrespect for speed laws.Get going on this.Get your people on the roads and ticketing speeders along with the highway patrol and sheriffs departments. Fund wildlife underpasses by asking the appropriate government authorities to do this. , too. Why? Because our panthers have gone down in population from 10% to 15% to endangered, stop this road carnage now.

We will see the panthers on the severely endangered list if we do not increase to 2 million acres for pure panther habitat. You people sit on your hands as the male panthers fight and die over cramped quarters .The Panther Refuge has not increased in size in years. We need at least hundreds of thousand of acres designated as a Panther Refuge lands and more wildlife corridors, wildlife easements on hundreds of ranches and farms and the biggest problem which I mentioned last is deer habitat. And our Lee County commissioners could care less by taking thousands of acres out of panther and deer habitat out of the mix by developing it.

Deer habitat means more panthers in Florida , but deer habitat has been swallowed up by rampant development all over our state. Especially, in Lee County with huge developments in our DRGR,and Babcock Ranch. Once the deer population collapses and so will the panther population collapse.Stop deer habitat and wild hog loss by condemning development in deer territory. Which you do NOT do and should do to save our panthers.

There is no scientific evidence to strip the panthers from the endangered list.The statistics are morbid. One hundred thirty to one hundred panthers means endangered. to extinction numbers. One panther virus sweeping through our panther population and we would be below the 50 mark again.Many environmentalists think the panthers are doomed to extinction already because of our crowded roads and huge developments.Stop the pending developments on Corkscrew Road, in Collier County(25,000 acres in one pr posed development) and on the Babcock Ranch in Lee County.Feds, do your job .Help us out to stop panthers from declining in number.Help stop development

We know the ranchers are up in arms over calf loss. Give them more money when a panther kills their calves. Find ways to protect their livestock. Work with them to find unique ways to protect their animals. Change their negative attitudes toward panthers.Use donkeys? They work to protect sheep in Texas from coyotes. They might work to protect livestock from panthers. Educate ranchers to save panthers.

We have 20.6. million plus people in Florida. Everyday they need to be reminded to obey the speed laws in panther habitat .Build wildlife underpasses Tell your elected officials and panther workers to find more land and stop all development in panther territory and deer lands by working with planners, elected officials and the public .Which isn't being done at the present time.

Tell our county commissioners to stop the development of the Babcock Ranch property in Lee County on A+ panther lands . Which Kitson promised to do twice .River Hall should not developed either.

Please do not changed the status of panthers in Florida. They need your and our help.To all residents of Lee County call , write and email the county commissioners to stop development in the DRGR and in Lee County on Babcock Ranch

Carl Veaux,I speak for all the wild animals.

3705 SE 3rd Place

Cape Coral, Fl 33904

From: Karen Heesch To: [email protected] Subject: florida panther comment Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 2:39:31 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle, I'm writing in favor of continued protection for the Florida Panther. As a Florida citizen and educator, the protection of the official state animal is of vital interest to me. Scientific consensus, as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's DNA test of the panthers show the panthers are a separate population, apart from the Texas & Western pumas. Without a scientific consensus, the Fish and Wildlife Service should not change the panther's status. I believe the Florida Panther is a distinct population segment of the puma, as this is the only population east of the Mississippi and is found in only part of the state, and this qualifies them as endangered. Since there are estimated to be only 200 panthers, they should remain listed as an endangered species.

Sincerely, Karen Heesch 12826 Rowland Dr. Odessa, FL 33556 From: Tom Koch To: [email protected] Cc: Raoul Bataller; Jim Hull; Mike Elfenbein; Dwayne House; Chris Asplundh Subject: Florida Panther Comments Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 11:21:16 AM

David Shindle: My thoughts and experiences regarding the Florida Panther:

The recovery of the Florida Panther is an amazing success story. You began with an endangered population, and with addition of genetic vigor, have today a population that is fully recovered and established to carrying capacity south of the Caloosahatchee River and a vibrant population north of the river. You should take a "victory lap" for a successful program! Instead, you are bowing to pressure from various environmental and animal groups who continue to use the panther as a fundraising icon. The groups that you abet claim there are less than 200 panthers in all of Florida. That's total nonsense, read your own "Annual Panther Reports" and extrapolate and you'll come up with a healthy population that's losing 40+ animals per year to autos! My personal experience is a 1200 acre hunting lease in Glades County which I held for over 15 years. It was a hunting paradise, great hunting for deer, pigs and turkeys. We maintained the habitat with food plots and feeders. About 5 years ago the hunting began to fall off, which coincided with panther tracks and trail camera pictures. Each year the hunting decline and the death knell was in 2016 when a female raised two kits on the property. To satisfy the ravenous appetites, she killed all the game on the property along with some domestic animals. She and the two youngsters, by this time 40-50 lbs each departed the property. By this time the hogs were annihilated, and the deer herd reduced by at least 75%. The smaller game was greatly diminished because the downward pressure the panther caused on the coyotes and other predators. It's a waste land!! If you are not willing to deal rationally with the panther, you are obligated to find a way to protect the other game species. What is your plan for the deer, pigs and turkeys? Mr Shindle, I don't envy you, the pressure groups on one side, on the other ranchers, farmers, and hunters who are losing income and recreational opportunities because of panther predation. Someone in FWC or FWS is going to have to step up and be a "big boy"!

Thomas T Koch Key Biscayne, FL -- Thomas T. Koch [email protected] From: Marcus V To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Conservation Program Date: Monday, July 3, 2017 2:13:01 PM

As a Florida resident of 11 years in my short time I have witnessed panther numbers dwindle.

I urge you to please keep the panther recovery/protection plan in place for this essential species to our ecosystem.

Cordially Karina Dionne From: H DON CORWIN JR To: [email protected] Cc: "H DON CORWIN JR" Subject: Florida Panther Continue Federal Endangered status Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 4:05:32 PM

Mr Shindle: Please continue the Endangered status for the Florida Panther. It neds the highest protection status possible. Please resist the misguided efforts to downgrade their status by a few politicians, wealthy ranchers and dubious "scientists". This magnificient animal must be protected and preserved for future generations. Respectfully, Hugh Don Corwin Riverview FL 33579 From: Rebecca Wilhelm To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Definitely worth protecting Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 12:05:00 PM

Please keep all protective measures in place for the floridly panther. My children love these creatures. Please increase protective measures if at all possible.

Thank you,

Richard and Rebecca Wilhelm 3428 Nw 63rd Place Gainesville FL 32652 From: Dave Griswold To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther delisting review Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 4:16:10 PM

Please do not change the status of the Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi). The total population as estimated by the FFWCC is only 230 adults, and the only viable population is in Southwest Florida, including Big Cypress Preserve, where I've seen the signs of their presence. We are not yet at the point of even two viable breeding populations which would allow even the thought of changing the current status.

Thank you.

Dave Griswold 1113 NW 117th Ave Coral Springs FL 33071 From: Tom and Laura McGrath To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther delisting Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 9:34:26 AM

David Shindle, biologist

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

South Florida Ecological Services Field Office

12085 State Road 29 S

Immokalee, FL 34142

Dear Mr. Shindle,

As a biologist I heartily disagree with delisting the Florida panther from the endangered species list for the reasons listed below. I am calling on you to voice your strong opposition to the delisting of the Florida panther as an endangered species. Here’s why:

1. The panther population has not yet established itself throughout its original home range in the state.

2. The population remains small considering that the entire area of the state is its true home range.

3. A significant percentage of these animals are “accidentally” killed each year, reducing or limiting population growth to sustainable levels.

4. An apex predator such as the panther is commonly a keystone species in an ecosystem. Establishing a healthy breeding population of a keystone species is paramount to maintaining sustainable ecosystems in Florida, as elsewhere.

5. Florida panthers are a distinct and isolated interbreeding population not in genetic contact with the larger North American cougar populations except by human intervention. This means that they fit a taxonomic definition of a subspecies.

6. One major argument for delisting this animal is based on the genetic analysis conducted by Melanie Culver et al. in 2000, which suggested that genetic markers showed that all cougars in North America are part of the same species and showed no subspecies level genetic variations. This argument against subspecies is likely not valid because the study is based on mitochondrial DNA, which is derived only from the maternal line. Since the eight female cougars were brought in from Texas to bolster the animal’s Florida population in 1995, it is expected that their mitochondrial DNA would appear in many of the sampled animals. That significantly biases the statistical analysis of subspecies level variation against uniqueness.

7. Delisting the panther would leave it vulnerable, especially because relisting it under a different category known as a “distinct population segment” will be legally challenging if not impossible.

8. Delisting Florida’s state animal would place it in severe jeopardy, as would inevitably lead to calls for a hunting season on it.

The Florida panther was listed as an endangered species at the outset of the endangered species act in 1967. While it has made gains since then, particularly with the introduction of greater genetic diversity through the introduction of eight females from Texas, the population has not gained sustainability for the long term. This can only be achieved through continued protection.

Please do all in your power to protect the Florida panther to maintain its needed position on the endangered species list.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. McGrath

Professor Emeritus of Biology

-- Tom and Laura McGrath 2900 Burlington Avenue N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 From: Linda Pedersen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther endangered animal status Date: Friday, July 28, 2017 1:23:23 PM

Hello,

I support maintaining the endangered status of the Florida Panther. We in Florida value our wildlife and want our panthers protected. Every year since 2012, Florida has set new records for the number of panthers killed by vehicles. Currently, more panthers are being killed on our highways than documented births, this in addition to deaths from poaching and other factors. Given these statistics, I can't believe that a pressing need exists to remove their endangered status.

Please help protect our wildlife heritage by maintaining the endangered status of these beautiful animals.

Thank you.

Linda Pedersen [email protected]

From: Michael J Sainato To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Endangered Species Protections Should Remain Date: Sunday, July 2, 2017 1:58:16 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

The panther's current range isn't viable in the long term. he 2008 Florida Panther Recovery Plan recommended three populations of at least 240 panthers. Two of those populations are supposed to be north of the Caloosahatchee River and just recently Florida Panthers have been spotted north of the River. The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge was cited in that plan as an ideal location for a distinct Florida Panther population to thrive, and this part of the plan has not been implemented. Given the high vehicle deaths of Florida Panthers, with 42 recorded in 2016, compared to only 14 recorded births, it would be incredibly irresponsible to remove the Florida Panther from the endangered species list. Ranchers, hunters, and even many of the Florida Wildlife Commissioners appointed by Rick Scott, who are also ranchers and land developers, treat the Florida Panther as a nuisance species rather than an endangered one. It is imperative for the Florida Panther recovery that the federal government remains involved in managing its protection.

Best,

Michael Sainato Gainesville, FL From: M.TTodd To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther endangered species Date: Thursday, July 6, 2017 9:45:42 AM

The panthers of Florida are genetically part ofvthe florida panther subspecies and deserve to remain on the endangered species list. We must protect the few preditor species we have left in our state. Reviews done by the Trump administration must not be relied upon. Our manatee need to remain on the endangered list as well. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From: Adrienne Neff To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther endangered status Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 5:19:24 PM

Dear David Shindle,

Please keep the Florida Panthers on the "endangered species" status. They are beautiful native cats that deserve to be protected.

We need to build more wildlife safety corridors across Florida as well to help protect wildlife and to help prevent deaths and accidents between drivers and wildlife. Wildlife corridors will also stimulate local economies by providing jobs. Win win for everyone.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, A. J. Neff

Sent from my iPhone From: Teresa Ligorelli To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Endangered Status Review Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 7:19:16 AM

Please do not remove the endangered species status for the panther. It would open the door to the intentional slaughter of Florida's big cats. From: Robert Gettig To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Endangered Status Date: Friday, July 28, 2017 11:32:11 AM

Mr. Shindle

I am writing in support of maintaining the endangered status of the Florida Panther. We in Florida value our wildlife and want our panthers protected. Every year since 2012, Florida has set new records for the number of panthers killed by vehicles. Currently, more panthers are being killed on our highways than documented births, this in addition to deaths from poaching and other factors. Given these statistics, I can't believe that a pressing need exists to remove their endangered status.

Please help protect Florida's wildlife heritage by maintaining the endangered status of these beautiful animals.

Thank you.

Robert Gettig [email protected] From: Leonard Abrahamson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Endangered Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 12:40:41 PM

We want our panthers protected after August 29.

Marie and Leonard Abrahamson From: Virginia Mendez To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther help! Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 6:06:53 PM

Once again an icon of Florida's wildlife is under attack. The panther, following the path of the manatee and black bear, is being targeted for reduced protection, or no protection. In light of the huge amount of money spent to date to rescue the panther from the brink of extinction, such a move borders on the absurd.

The popularity of the panther can be easily measured by the number of panther license plates on the road, most possessed by people that have never even seen one. Popular support of panthers is not shared by ranchers and developers that view them as an inconvenience to their bottom line.

Although a federal proposal, it fits with the position long argued by FWC Vice Chair Priddy in her effort to remove panther protection. Priddy's day job is rancher.

Geneticist Melanie Culver says Florida panther still deserves endangered species protection, so please Mr. Shindle, do not remove protections for these beautiful animals. Thank you,

Virginia Mendez From: Jim Wilbur To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Input Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 4:40:26 PM Attachments: image001.png

Hello David,

I would like to place the following input concerning the Florida Panther.

I am a 62 year old, native Floridian, born at Jackson Memorial hospital and living my entire life in Florida. My tag is a Protect The Panther tag and has been for as long as it has been offered (perhaps 20 years). So my input is coming from a true Floridian.

The main point is that without protection for the Florida Panther, we likely would not have any today. It is from intervention and aid to breeding that we now have a population of 200. Still, they are in a very small area of Florida.

When we consider that over 30 are killed by traffic accidents a year, without protection that alone will end the Florida Panther.

Because of their small area, a single illness could also wipe them out.

They need protection.

As to whether they are the same species as Panthers elsewhere, who cares. They have a Florida culture, in the same way that I am different than people born in Alaska. It is not just the species we are protecting but the Florida Panther culture and habitat.

I find it interesting that at this same time, scientists have come out with statements that Earth faces ‘biological annihilation’ as species decline. We do not need to help this process by removing protections for mammals with a population below 300.

I implore you to do everything in your power to maintain the protected/endangered status of the Florida Panther. It is a Florida treasure just like the everglades. You don’t see anyone saying we don’t need to protect the everglades because there are swamps in other states.

Protect the Florida Panther.

Let me know what else I can do to help with the protection.

James H. Wilbur

From: Beth McConaughy To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther on Endangered Species List Date: Sunday, July 16, 2017 12:08:08 AM

I have followed the Florida panther's dire situation for some time, and while there is some positive news with a small increase of population, the numbers are still far too low, and the dangers too high, for the panther to be delisted. Please continue to protect the Florida Panther.

E.J. McConaughy 24452 Ladera Dr. Mission Viejo, CA 92691-5036 home) cell) (fax) From: Roger Haskins To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection Status Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 1:41:15 PM

I respectfully request that you and the US Fish and Wildlife Service retain the protected status for the Florida panther and follow the palm that the FWS publicly approved an announced. My understanding of that plan is that it requires a population total of at least 240 panthers, in 3 separate, sustaining populations to be maintained for 14 years before the cats may be considered for delisting. FWS isn't following its own rules! As a scientist, you know that populations vary from year to year, and that inbreeding and sustainability must be monitored. I know that your budget is probably being squeezed. I empathize, and as a former Interior employee, I've been there. That is no excuse for not following the FWS plan for this wild felids.

I wish you--and the protected Florida panthers--all the best.

Sue Marcus 4411 Marsala Glen Way Fairfax, VA 22033 From: Larry Ganger To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 12:56:18 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I am sending this message to express my very strong support for maintaining endangered species protection for our Florida panther population. I believe we must be diligent in assuring this critically endangered species does not pass into oblivion due to our inaction, or worse - failure to fully protect these animals in our role as stewards of the remaining population.

I hope my opinion and expression of concern is given consideration in any pending decision regarding the fate of our beloved State Animal.

Thank you.

Larry Ganger 5164 Crawfordsville Dr. Port Charlotte, FL 33948 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 11:16:35 PM

The Florida Panther is in great danger of extinction. At this current rate my grandchildren will have to read about them rather than ever see a Panther live in a Sanctuary. Please, I beg you, Donner remove them from the endangered list.

Christina Cox

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note® 4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone From: Steve Gafford To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 8:02:18 AM

While there are people who promote and spread fear and loathing for our local panthers, the truth is that every one of them is a treasure. So many of them were killed that they came very close to being wiped out in our area. The gene pool became so small that they began to exhibit genetic malformations. Since they are all pumas, with a few unique geographically driven genetic traits, the introduction of genes from western pumas added back the genetic diversity required for a healthy and sustainable breeding population. This addition of genetic diversity is controversial, and i'll talk more about it later. I'm doing research on the details of it now. Those who belittle the value of our panthers claim they are not a unique subspecies any more, and don't even think they should be called "panthers". But consider this: all of the big tawny cats in all of the Americas are Pumas. They are all genetically related, otherwise they could not interbreed and produce fertile offspring. In Florida we call our local pumas "Panthers". Trying to color them as anything less than "Panthers" is folly. It just displays a lack of familiarity with the ways of native Floridians, with our terms for things, and our way of treasuring these creatures. Trying to say they are no longer unique is ridiculous too. Every ONE of our "Panthers" was Conceived here, Gestated here, Born here, Raised here, and SURVIVES here. They survive our unique, wet, hot climate. They survive our pests, our parasites, and our diseases. They survive our cyclical weather and food supplies. If you trust science at ALL you will understand that the present day Panthers are the product of "survival of the fittest", of evolution driven by geographically unique conditions. They are literally the product of their environment, and simply adding more pumas from another region will NOT take the place of the cultivation of the panthers we now enjoy locally. It only remains now...... to decide if we want panthers in Florida at all. That's a decision for ALL Florida citizens, not a scant few who detest them. If we want panthers in Florida, protections must remain in place for the ones we have cultivated here. I submit that we need FEDERAL protection for them, given the track record of our blood- thirsty Florida Wildlife Commissioners. Steve Gafford From: Cheyenne Nimes To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection. Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 2:48:14 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

Please help keep panthers alive in this country by holding them steady on the endangered list.

In Marin County, CA., I once ran across a Mountain Lion and her cub in the wild. I hid and watched, and I will never forget that truly gorgeous moment.

Thank you, Cheyenne Nimes salt lake

-- No trees were killed to bring you this message, but billions of electrons were horribly inconvenienced. From: Fran To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protection Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 10:26:27 AM

Please pass on to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service my desire to continue the Florida panthers' endangered species protections. These protections may help keep this beautiful animal from disappearing.

Frances Farinos

Sent from my iPhone From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Protections Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 10:54:53 AM

Efforts to revive the Florida Panther population should not stop now. Because they require large territories to survive, we need to protect their favorite places like the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades habitats and keep them wild.

Also, we need to build more land bridges because Florida road kills of panthers outpaces their births.

These protections are vital for the Florida Panther to survive. Please continue efforts to protect the Florida Panther.

Gail Wotanowicz Stuart, Florida

Sent from my iPad From: Terri Benincasa To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther review Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 2:17:15 PM

I urge you to continue the panther’s status as endangered for the following reasons: Consideration in today’s Florida vs even 50 years ago must include the constant encroachment on wildlife habitat by the ever growing influx of humans – 200 panthers can hardly compete with thousands of new homes and cars (proof lying in the increasing record number of road kills from 19 in 2012, broken 2 years later at 25, then broken again in 2015 at 32 – at this rate they’ll be gone in a decade…) They have only recently been able to cross the Caloosahatchee – they need time, protected, to grow their numbers We must not allow the efforts to save them via cross-breeding to become their undoing.

I am not a hunter, I do not take pleasure in killing things; I know many do. Keep them from being able to hunt these beautiful animals which, combined with road kills and the cats’ fledgling efforts to reproduce, can too easily lead to their eventual extinction.

Best to you as you make this difficult decision. Terri Benincasa

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From: Debby Bell To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status (keep protection) Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 9:08:59 AM

Add my name to the list of those supporting the call to LEAVE THE FLORIDA PANTER ON THE ENDANGERED LIST.

Deb Bell 10226 46th Avenue West Bradenton, Florida 34210

Manatee County From: Mike Sanders To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status as endangered Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 10:38:48 AM

Hello David,

Please do all that can be done to retain the Florida Panther as "Endangered"...these majestic creatures deserve the protection and deserve to survive and thrive. I see one that passes my property several times a year as it travels back and forth, and she is a beauty.

Thank you, Mike

Mike Sanders [email protected] From: Samuel F Rice To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Comment: Remain. Date: Monday, July 3, 2017 12:42:48 PM

Hello David.

I am concerned about the possible change to the Florida Panther's status as a listed species. I am a Biologist in the state of Florida, and the Florida Panther is an important Keystone species and there population is still very low... They should without a doubt remain at their current status.

Sam Rice From: Samuel F Rice To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Comment: Should Remain Date: Monday, July 3, 2017 12:38:36 PM

Hello David,

I am a biologist in Florida. I believe the Florida Panther status should remain. As a keystone species it is far to important and there population level is still extremely low.

Best,

Sam Rice

Sent from my iPhone From: c w To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Review Date: Friday, July 7, 2017 10:57:09 AM

Hello Mr. Shindle,

The Florida Panther doesn't exist, thus it should be removed from any list of species or subspecies thought to be in danger of extinction.

It was the powers that be themselves who dealt the death blow to the Florida Panther population that once existed by introducing non-Floridian panthers into Florida, who promptly bred with the pre-existing population which resulted in massive irreversible miscegenation. Laws that protect these cats are stupid as they prevent a man from defending his livestock. These cats have more rights than unborn humans, and that is an abomination. There is no penalty for killing an unborn person who for all we know would have found a cure for cancer and HIV. The same cannot be said about a nuisance feline.

The state and federal governments are lying to people with their conspiratorial false narrative of overpopulation, global warming, and massive extinctions of flora and fauna.

Sincerely, Christopher David Webber 1625 NE 182 PL Citra, FL 32113

From: Traer PRICE To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther status review Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 7:27:43 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I'm writing with regard to the upcoming review of Florida Panthers' status as an endangered species. I've recently read two articles in the Tampa Bay Times about the issue and I'm very troubled by the use of Melanie Culver's study in support of delisting these animals when she clearly is not in favor of doing so. Culver suggests that the panthers are currently listed incorrectly as a subspecies of puma as opposed to a distinct population segment but states clearly that their numbers in Florida are by no means sustainable. Whatever their legal taxonomical classification, they are at great risk.

With a population in the low hundreds and with 32 animals killed in 2016, I find myself conflicted in my support of the attempt to rejuvenate the panthers' population at all–without real support and protection the whole enterprise verges on cruelty in my opinion. I would like nothing more than to see panthers thrive in Florida as the state's wildlife is one of the reasons I love Florida the most, but I can't bear to see animals encouraged to crossbreed and multiply only to be driven out of their habitat and run over by motorists.

I've attended a presentation on the Florida Wildlife Corridor project and it looks very promising if efforts like the attempt to save the Florida panther are to succeed. I would like very much to receive a response if you're able to share information about the likelihood of its implementation.

One of the two Tampa Bay Times articles I mentioned made note of a worrisome trend in these kinds of debates where public and scientific opinion appear to be disregarded, as in the case of the change in status of the manatee. I realize that the public's feelings often vary greatly, but it sounds as though in some cases there's significant agreement among the populace and scientists and yet the opposite conclusion is drawn by the agencies in charge. Again, I would appreciate you addressing that issue if you're able to respond.

I realize that wildlife management is a complex task today, particularly in a state growing as quickly as Florida is, but I want to register my concerns about how that management is executed and express how much panthers and all wildlife matter to me as a resident and to the many tourists who enjoy our wild spaces and creatures each year.

Thank you for your consideration and I do hope you'll be able to respond.

Sincerely,

Traer Price 629 24th Ave. N St. Petersburg, FL 33704 From: Christi Dixon To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status under Review Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 1:31:51 PM

Hello David,

I am weighing in in response to the Tampa Bay Times’ July 4 article regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewing the endangered status of our Florida panthers. I’m sure you have many e-mails to go through, so I will be short and to the point:

I vociferously vote for the Florida Panther to remain on the endangered list. I had known prior to the article that cars are taking more and more of them in addition to loss of habitat. It’s frustrating. It always seems like one step forward, two steps back with our endangered animals.

Thank you very much, David.

Sincerely, Christi Dixon Tampa, Florida From: Diana Lehr To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 9:17:39 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I am writing to ask that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommend the continued protection of Florida Panthers as an endangered species. It is puzzling to me how stripping their protection is even being considered. There are only about 230 (or fewer) panthers left in the wild. Panther road deaths are outpacing the number of documented panther births, which alone is too high to be sustainable.

We Floridians value our wild life. It was very exciting to find that a female Panther had crossed the Caloosahatchee and was documented with two kittens. Please retain their protected status. I would love to see federal support for an increase of wildlife crossings over Alligator Alley as a way to reduce road mortality.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely, Diana Lehr 2839 Via Paloma Dr. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 Home ph.

Sent from my iPad From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 5:12:58 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle, I am writing as a very concerned Florida resident (for 50 years) and as a citizen of the world as well. As you are taking public input while you are making your decision whether to remove the Florida Panther from the endangered status list, please consider the potential forever loss of these rare and beautiful animals should they be removed. Biologists estimate there are fewer than 230 of them left in the wild and, so far this year 13 have died on Florida roads. How can we even consider removing them from the endangered list?

I have read there are a few ranchers pushing for their removal due to the occasional loss of their cattle but should we let the complaints of a few cause the potential extinction of an entire species? Weren't the panthers here before the ranches? I am certain the ranchers are wealthy enough to withstand the occasional loss of livestock.

I would like my grandchildren to grow up in world where they can see nature's magnificence in its natural state, not just in a zoo. I fear this is fast becoming a pipe dream as Florida is being over-developed and habitat is being lost forever for our wild creatures. The recent allowance to hunt the black bear is another example of animals lives being forfeited because of human intrusion into their habitat.

Please consider all of this when making your decision. The Florida Panther's survival as a species depends on it.

Thank you for your time, Julia Perez 5015 134th Terrace East Parrish, Fl. 34219

Manatee County From: Alyce McCathran To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 7:49:34 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

As a resident of Florida since 1977, it is extremely disheartening to see the continuing disappearance of our wildlife and its habitat, with the Florida panther being one of the most important species we should want to preserve. Because of their shrinking habitat, it seems that more and more are being killed on our highways. I hope that you will do all that you can to keep them on the endangered species status. I’m sure that as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service you are aware of how important it is to protect these magnificent animals.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Alyce R. McCathran 6513 Bimini Court Apollo Beach, Fl. 33572 From: Doug To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 8:35:59 AM

Please do what you can to protect what wildlife there is left. The Panthers especially warrant attention due to their small numbers, wide range required and extreme vulnerability to death by auto.

We as a society do so little to protect and assist wildlife that I feel we need to do more. I personally have some land that I allocate strictly for nature but it takes so much land to protect and provide for nature to flourish.

Thank you for your attention and public service.

George McDowell 21050 Morgan Rd Land O' Lakes, Fl 34628 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 9:40:31 AM

Dear Sir,

I urge you and other federal wildlife officials to keep the Florida Panther’s protective status as endangered and not change the recovery criteria for the Florida's most beloved animal. Road kills, habitat loss and development of panther habitat continue to be threats. Dozens of applications for developments, mines, and other projects are currently being considered in panther habitat. In fact, the USFWS is currently considering a development plan in Collier County that would build a city the size of Washington D.C. in the heart of panther territory! Habitat is being lost at a rate of about 1-2% annually and panther range counties are among the fastest-growing areas in the nation. The Florida Panther needs to be protected now more than ever!

In 2016 a record 34 Florida Panthers were killed by vehicle collisions. To date, a total of 16 Florida panthers have been found dead in 2017, with 12 resulting from road fatalities.

Florida panther habitat is mostly confined to southwest Florida. In 2010, the population had grown from about 25 adults in 1995 to roughly 100. In 2015 the state estimated their population to be 100 -180. It was again recently updated to between 120 - 230 panthers. Even at their best estimates, 230 Panthers are not yet at a sustainable population size.

Schoolchildren picked the Panther as the state animal in 1981. This large charismatic umbrella species is the mascot for dozens of schools across the state and is loved by Floridians.

Tens of thousands of residents have paid a premium for a specialty “Protect the Panther” Florida license plate, sold to pay for the state’s panther research. It is the state’s 5th most popular license plate.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting fish, wildlife, and plants, and enhancing their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

FWS has been criticized for opening vast tracts of panther habitat to construction; rubber-stamping development plans that alter panther habitat, and never rejecting incidental take permits for Panthers. Over the past two decades, the wildlife service has approved hundreds of development projects that would wipe out thousands of acres of prime panther habitat.

Florida Panthers are still inching back from the brink of extinction. The construction of new houses, roads, and new airport facilities in Southwest Florida continue to squeeze the Panthers out and fragment their habitat, increasing the likelihood that cats will be hit by cars.

Sincerely,

Steven Bagenski, Miami, FL From: Janice Creneti To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 1:28:04 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I am writing you concerning the review of the status of the Florida Panther. As a biologist myself, I find the idea of revoking the "endangered" status of this animal absurd. A population numbering the the few hundreds hardly constitutes a comeback of the species, especially given the large number of deaths not due to natural causes that still occur every year. Also given the importance of the species ecological role and the likelihood that habitat loss will continue in the immediate future, it seem highly imprudent to lessen protections for this apex predator. As a Florida citizen, I highly oppose revoking the endangered status of this species.

Thank you,

Janice Creneti [email protected] From: Carol McCutcheon To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Status Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 2:13:50 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I sure hope we aren't on the path to a "panther hunt" after such a disastrous bear hunt.

We need our top predators for prey species to remain healthy. Research has shown when they top predators are healthy the balance is healthy.

Panthers pose no threat to humans. Please continue to protect them and help solve the issue with cars killing so many of them.

Thank you, Carol McCutcheon Carol McCutcheon

. From: Bogna Sturzbecher To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther status Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 7:59:13 PM

Please, maintain the endengered status of the Florida Panther. Thank you From: april west To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther still deserves endangered species protection Date: Sunday, July 16, 2017 12:35:24 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

As a wildlife professional I can tell you that the Florida panther IS considered its own species and most definately deserves protection. I urge you as a wildlife activist not to make the mistake of delisting it.

Respectfully,

April West Resident, Tax Payer, Property Owner, Citizen of, the U.S. From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Monday, July 31, 2017 9:55:42 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle, PLEASE do everything you can to save the panther from extinction! Our state is going to become like CA if we don't stop the building of strip malls and highways which of course is the degradation of nature. Enough is enough! Along with thousands of other Floridians, please do whatever is in your power to help this beautiful animal as well as other creatures in our state!!! We need to save the panther!

Sincerely, Nancy Prizito Vero Beach, FL 32963

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 4:43:52 PM

Please protect our panther population by keeping them on the. Endangered species list. We can't lose this beautiful and unique animal. Thank-you, Marcia K. Detweiler

Sent from my iPhone From: Annette Randall To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 2:56:37 PM

Please do all within your power to keep the Florida panther on the endangered species list. This apex predator must be given all the support possible to enable it to recover its population. Only then should it be moved off the endangered list.

Sincerely

Annette

Annette L Randall From: Scott Murray To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 5:20:49 PM

The panther population here in Florida has recovered. It is a success story that should be celebrated! 32 panthers were killed by vehicles here last year indicating populations are higher than what was previously thought. Please remove them from the endangered species list.

Scott Murray From: Davis To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 8:58:39 AM

I want to register my strong support for renewing the Florida panther's endangered species protection.

Irell Rohl 8944 S.E. Pelican Island Way Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Sent from my iPad From: Charles Duncan To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 4:29:11 PM

We want to have the Florida Panther kept on the Endangered Species list. We value Florida's wild heritage and we want our panthers protected.

Thank You Charles & Carolyn Duncan 1279 Welcome Drive Vero Beach, FL 32966 From: valerie sewell To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 7:54:58 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I understand that the status of the Florida panther is being reviewed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will consider removing the panther from the endangered species list when three populations of at least 240 individual panthers, excluding dependent- aged kittens, have been established, and a sufficient, long-term habitat to support the populations has been established.

According to the records 42 panther deaths were recorded in 2016, with 32 of the deaths being traffic-related. As development encroaches on panther habitat, their plight becomes more difficult. I encourage you to carefully scrutinize the data to establish sufficient panther population growth and protection prior to allowing them to be removed from the endangered species list.

To remove their protection at this time would be premature. Please work to protect them.

Thank you.

Valerie Sewell 5464 Island Avenue Seminole, FL 33772 From: Martha Hudson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 4:40:07 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle: Very surprised to learn that the Florida Panther was scheduled to be off list/no longer endangered even though the numbers are extremely low. Please consider this email to be a vote of support for keeping the panther on the endangered species list. Thank you, Martha Hudson From: Bob Scofield To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 12:53:06 PM

Mr Shindle,

I have concerns that the federal government may be considering stripping the Federal protection of our dwindling number of Florida Panthers. The numbers are not improving but are declining . There is no scientific explanation to strip them of their endangered species protection. I want you to know that I value Florida's wild heritage and want our painters protected.

Thank You Robert Scofield Vero Beach, Fl 32963 From: Raina Nelson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 6:53:00 PM

To whom it may concern,

I am disappointed to hear about the federal government's plans to revisit, and possibly revoke, the endangered status of Florida panthers. The federal government should be taking more strenuous action to protect these magnificent cats by setting up more designated wildlife crossings and dedicating more land to these animals. It seems like twice a month I read articles in the newspapers reporting panthers being killed on roads in northern Florida, which is WAY too many cats lost. Instead of removing their endangered status, we need to do so much more to protect them until the numbers seriously rebound. This is a no-brainer, the Florida Panther deserves our continued protection.

Sincerely,

Raina K. Nelson 1914 Hammock Pine Blvd. Clearwater, FL 33761 From: BRENT and MARIAM GREENE To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 10:20:11 AM

Sir: I'm writing about the Florida panthers' endangered species protection. We have taken away most of their range and are planning to take away even more. We build more and more roads for cars that kill more and more panthers every year. Please protect this important species. Thank you, Mariam Greene From: Mary Zavash To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 10:01:23 AM

These large cats will continue to compete with loss of habitat and growth of humans. Please continue to protect them as an endangered species.

Sent from my iPhone From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 9:42:14 AM

I understand the Florida panther is being reviewed about being on the endangered species list. If something is done soon, the only Florida panthers left will be on the hockey team. From: Joyce Jones To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 4:45:25 PM

It has come to my attention that you are receiving comments about reviewing the Florida panther's endangered species protections.

As I am sure you are aware that panther deaths are outnumbering the number of births. Please be sure you keep the Florida Panther on the endangered list. We must not let them become extinct!

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Joyce Jones 4550 Banyan Trails Drive Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Email: [email protected]

From: J M To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 11:34:48 PM

A beautiful animal such as the Florida Panther belongs on the Endangered List of Animals and deserve protection. This animal lives in harmony with nature.

Jeanne Hollister McCauley 162 Bimini Road Cocoa Beach, Fl. From: Bob Nixon To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 10:22:05 PM

Wake up David!!

The Florida Panther should be protected. Regrettably, It is people like you who get bought out to limit funding for endangered species. Bob Nixon From: Ellen Schenning To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 6:59:34 PM

In response to your recent article, I would like to see the Florida Panther put back on the endangered species list. Based on the studies discussed in your article, I see that the results are inconclusive regarding whether or not the Florida Panther is a distinct subspecies, deserving of special protections. We should not remove the Florida Panther from the endangered species list at this time. Please let me know which other steps I should take to assist in preserving this valued part of our ecosystem.

Kind regards,

Ellen Schenning From: Alice and Jerry Snipp To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 11:24:13 AM

David:

I'm a concerned citizen about reviewing the Florida panthers' endangered species protections.

We have so few Florida Panthers left. For heavens sake, don't let them all dwindle away. Please vote to keep the species on the endangered list.

Alice Snipp Cape Canaveral, Florida From: Colleen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 7:51:10 AM

Mr Shindle,

After reading the article in the the Florida Today regarding the future of Florida's panthers, I feel compelled to e- mail you. I believe this beautiful animal should not be removed from the endangered species list.

Thank you

Colleen Davis

Sent from my iPad From: Robert Birner To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 1:13:04 PM

Protect the florida panther Endangered Species designation.

Thank you

Robert Birner/PARRISH, FL From: Robert Richardson Cc: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 7:42:55 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I was quite surprised, actually stunned to hear that the USF&WS is considering removing the Florida panther from the endangered species protection list. Considering the plight of the panther at this time, I absolutely believe this is far too premature. Although some progress has been made in increasing the numbers, the death to birth ratio is still not good.

Please reconsider any effort to remove the panther as a non-starter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bob Richardson Tallahassee, Fl From: Carol W. To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 6:48:29 PM

Dear Sir: I am writing to you on the behalf of the Florida panther. They are a beautiful animal. Florida's wildlife is an important part of this great state. We all must protect it, especially the panther. Every year we are losing more animals. They need the protection of the state. Please help keep panthers in Florida. Carol Wade From: Tisha Doohen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 11:26:14 AM

Mr. Shindle,

It saddens me to hear that Florida panthers are being considered to be down listed from endangered status because one study concluded that they were not a separate subspecies. Why should that matter and what if the study is inaccurate? The Florida Panthers current numbers are only around 230. 17 Panthers have been killed by automobiles already this year and last year that number climbed to 34. Why is it that humans, the top predators in the animal kingdom, cannot use our cognitive thought processes to protect a species in it's natural habitat but would rather only be able to see them on display in a zoo type setting. Please continue to protect the Florida Panther.

-- Kindest Regards,

Tisha Doohen From: Barbara Charlton To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 9:01:06 AM

I am sure the Florida panther and many other species will go extinct due to the bulldozing going on in Florida to make way for more houses, roads, strip malls, etc. the panthers require very large areas away from humans and their vehicles to survive. Taking them off the endangered list will only delay this grim outcome. The Florida panther should be on the endangered list until the very last one has succumbed to our careless disregard of its right to life.

Sent from my iPad From: Mary Faith Phillips To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 4:28:33 AM

With the death this week of yet another panther, there should be no doubt that the species needs to remain on the endangered species list and EVERY effort should be made to protect the Florida panther while we still have any left to protect.

The numbers are alarming; with less than 230 panthers left, and at a loss of several every single year, specifically to being hit by vehicles speeding on Alligator Alley and Tamiami Trail, the Florida legislature is WAY BEHIND in doing anything.

Time to step up and save what few we have left.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Mary Faith Phillips 5535 SW 61st Place Ocala, FL 34474 From: L M Kronholm To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 8:29:37 PM

I understand that the Florida Panther is being considered for de-listing as an endangered species. I simply cannot understand how anyone could possibly have come to the conclusion that the species has recovered enough that de-listing could be an acceptable idea!

There are fewer (possibly many fewer) than 300 individuals....we lost 15 last year and are on track to match that (sadly) this year.

The Panther should NOT be de-listed - it deserves the highest level of protection available.

Aside from automobiles - the main threat to the panther would appear to be uncontrolled, unsustainable development allowing for fewer and fewer native plants and animals of ANY species....if we continue on this path Florida will be nothing but sterile sod and concrete.

PLEASE - PROTECT THE PANTHER - do NOT contribute to it's extinction - which would be the rapid end result of de-listing.

Linda M. Kronholm North Port, Florida From: Susan Green To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 7:15:57 PM

I would like to go on record for supporting keeping the Florida Panther on the endangered species list. Removing federal protections is clearly unwarranted.

Sincerely,

Susan B. Green 6513 Bimini Court Apollo Beach, FL 33572 From: Peterson Alan J. To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:39:29 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I read that there are only about 220 Florida panthers in the whole state. Two hundred and twenty doesn’t sound like very many. I say keep the Florida panther on the endangered species list.

Alan J. Peterson Homosassa From: Pandora Seibert To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:48:42 PM

Please do NOT take the panther off the endangered list! They are important to our environment. What's left of it...... Pandora Seibert From: phunnypharm To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:47:16 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle

Today, July 20, 2017, I read about the death of yet another Florida panther – number 17. The fact that the year is little more than half over and already we have lost too many of these beautiful cats is disturbing. It has taken years and a lot of effort to bring them back to this point.

Along with countless other people I think that removing the panthers from the endangered species list is a huge mistake.

PLEASE, think very carefully about this issue and realize that if in fact the panther is downlisted and the results are not protective of our state animal, how long will it take – IF they can be brought back.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Julia Steinwachs From: Robin To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 10:11:36 AM

Sent from my iPhone Mr. Spindle, It is imperative that you allow the Florida panther to remain on the endangered species list. As you are well aware there are only an estimated 220 cats living in the wild. Taking them off the endangered list almost guarantees extinction. Do you really want your grandchildren and great-grandchildren to read your name in Florida history books, as the person who caused the extinction of our state animal?

Thank-you Robin Hartman St. Pete Beach, Florida From: ANDRE LESSARD To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 7:19:46 AM

Please DO NOT remove the Florida Panther from the endangered species list.

Thank you,

Andre Lessard 5528 Chanteclaire Sarasota, FL 34235 From: Eunice To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 17, 2017 5:07:59 PM

The Florida Panther needs to stay on the Endangered level. The Manatee should have also stayed on the Endangered level. But despite the majority of public objections, the Fish & Wildlife Service disallowed the input of the Florida taxpayers. So why ask for the public input when it is not even considered? The majority of the public did not want the Black Bears hunted & killed either, but the FWS went ahead with this travesty even though the bears were protected for 21 years.....

E. Maniaci St. Petersburg, FL Sent from my iPhone From: D. Kelley To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 5:36:37 PM

I hope that you will do all you can to continue to protect the Florida panther. It seems that some people tend to look for any reason to lift restrictions on protecting wildlife and/or the environment, and this cross-breeding excuse is just another way to allow greed to win over good. You certainly know better than we do that the Florida panther needs to be protected so that the numbers do not once again plummet to the brink of extinction. There is no reason to allow harm to be done to these beautiful, regal and deeply endangered animals and hope that you will continue to protect this native species.

Ed and Diane Kelley Matthew Kelley Brandon, FL From: Carol Majors To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 4:51:40 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I, as a resident of the State of Florida, strongly object to the change in status of the Florida Panther by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Honestly, are none of God's beautiful creatures safe from man's own greed for personal need for power and control?

Leave these animals alone, they will control their own population, and most likely will do a better job of it than we are doing with our own over-population.

Respectfully,

Carol Majors From: Peggy Akery To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 12:49:25 PM

First the manatee, now the Florida Panther? I read with dismay and disbelief the article in the Tampa Bay Times about possibly lowering the protections for the Florida Panther. Why change its status now when it is barely holding on, and road kills are taking their toll. I realize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required to do their review, but latching on to one study (Culver) seems like an excuse to get the animal off the endangered list, hoping it will become extinct. I am old enough to remember back in the 1960’s, when the panther was barely hanging on, and we cheered the state officials for trying to actually help this icon of nature. As Culver herself said, it is still endangered. Those of us who have been around a long time, have been so proud to have our own native state panther that has been here long before we were and survived, partly because of the help from scientists and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That is an accomplishment that is and should be cherished by Floridians. We feel this magnificent animal has dwelled here long enough to be considered native, regardless of its taxonomy. It is OUR Florida Panther and it deserves to continue to be on the endangered list. Respectfully, Peggy Collins Akery Redington Beach From: Bob Vaughan To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 10:50:21 AM

Please do not remove the Florida Panther from the endangered species list. Sincerely,

Bob Vaughan Tampa, Florida From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 2:59:17 PM

I am not sure why suddenly so many state governments want to remove protections for so many animals but I cannot believe that at a population of approximately 200 we should be changing the status of these great cats.

If latest "scientific findings" are to be used, please do not use just one set of findings.

Personally, I feel Florida should be more than strip malls, condos and new housing projects. Soon all the special things that make this state remarkable will be gone if not protected....bears, manatees, panthers, turtles.

Please give any action very serious consideration. Our wonderful Florida wildlife depends on decisions such as this.

Thank you.

Diana Wells St. Petersburg, FL 33714 From: Judy Ashton To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 8:53:22 PM

Dear David, I strongly disagree with removing the endangered status of our Florida Panther. There is not enough data to support this decision at this time. The population is still in recovery and if it was removed from protection it will most likely result in extinction as critical habitat would be jeopardized as development continues to encroach and fragment the panther's domain. I am a field biologist specialized in environmental restoration and habitat assessment surveys. I am no expert on this particular matter, but I do feel that the more animals and plants that end up getting downgraded from protection allows for more development of our unique and diverse natural resources. My recommendation to maintain protection for this unique species is therefore twofold. First, to allow this species to recover to a sustainable population and second to protect our wild lands from further development. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Judy Ashton From: Rob Saron To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:14:54 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I will be 65 this year and I was born in Saint Petersburg. Tampa is the farthest north I have ever lived. In your groups infinite wisdom you took protection away from the Manatee. I have seen a manatee in the wild. The suggestion of taking the Florida panther to a lower protection level than currently enjoyed I believe to be a serious mistake. In my nearly 65 years I have NEVER seen a Florida panther in the wild.

Please resist risking the future of this beautiful animal. While you are at it, how about reconsidering the manatee’s status.

Regards, ROB

______

J. Robert Saron President

Bovie Medical Corporation 5115 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, Florida 33760 - 4004 Direct: + Fax: + Cell: + [email protected] www.boviemed.com

This communication may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise legally protected or exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part of it, and all such acts are expressly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete all copies of the message, including electronic and paper copies.

From: Fuchs, Wendy To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 1:48:50 PM Attachments: image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png

Good Afternoon Mr. Shindle-

I am writing today to ask you to keep the protections for the Florida Panther in place. I understand there is talk of reduced or no protection and I feel that is a dangerous path for us to take because the panther is not ready to be removed from protection if we expect the species to continue to live in Florida.

It seems our environment and the precious wildlife that call it home are always under attack by developers and ranchers so please consider the need for these protections to remain in place.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind Regards-

Wendy Fuchs THE SAFARILAND GROUP | Bid Specialist 13386 International Parkway Jacksonville, Florida 32218 Phone [email protected]

From: Louise To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 10:41:14 AM

Dear Sir, I am emailing you to offer my input that Florida panther's endangered species status be maintained during the upcoming review of their status. These unique and beautiful animals have just started to make a comeback. They deserve the full protection that the law allows. Thank you for your attention. Louise Patterson, Daytona Beach From: John Neale To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 10:33:36 AM

Dear Mr Shindle,

I have lived in FL for almost 50 years and remember the time when the Panther count was around 30. It was a sad time for those who love and enjoy the natural life that survives in our state. Twenty years ago I spent some time in western NC. At that time the National Forest Service proclaimed that the Mountain Lion population in that area was extinct. Then one day, on a remote road, one crossed the road right in front of me. At first there was shock but, as I recovered, that was replaced with thrill and joy that I had been so fortunate to see one of the last survivors. Since then I am unaware of any reported sightings.

The only FL Panther I have seen was caged on display many years ago. It was a beautiful animal. I know the pressure from big money ranchers, developers and hunters is to remove protection but I see the Panther as a natural resource and rare treasure. FL is rapidly losing it’s natural treasures as over population threatens us all. Please help save what remains and continue protection for the Panther.

Thanks for allowing me to make an input,

John Neale 7886 Lantana Creek Rd Largo, FL 33777 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 12:54:44 AM

Hello Dave,

Please do what you can to help protect and keep The Florida Panther on the endangered species list. It is a vital part of south Florida's mammal population that needs human assistance for its continued survival.

Thank you,

Jay Staton

Image captured recently in Fakahatchee. From: Patricia Maureen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 6, 2017 11:32:10 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

There should be no retreat from protecting the Florida panther. They remain critically endangered and Florida Fish and Wildlife should continue their efforts to save them.

We should purchase more land for habitat and try to provide more corridors.

Sincerely,

Patricia Drew 729 NE 117th Street Biscayne Park, FL 33161 From: Kris Lacy To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Thursday, July 6, 2017 3:01:03 PM

Please do not downgrade the Florida panther from endangered status. There are still too few of them in the wild.

Kris Lacy 15103 Craggy Cliff St. Tampa, FL 33625 From: Joe To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 4:57:41 PM

Mr. Shindle:

The Florida Panther is an endangered species and must remain as such. Just because they may have had a small recovery which is doubtful does not equate to reducing their protection. Would you prefer that they suffer the same fate as the Black Bears did. If protection is reduced this tragedy can happen to them. We are asking that the protection of endangered remains in effect for the Florida Panther.

Sincerely,

Joseph Spadea From: N Neil Harris To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 1:52:29 PM

Mr. Shindle:

I lived in Colo. for 25 years until 1998 and moved back to my home state of Indiana to care for my terminally ill Mother.

One of the main things I missed more than the state, mountains, skiing and all... was seeing Mountain Lions lopping across meadows and such in the areas that I lived and traveled to and through. Moving here in 2015 I soon learned of the Florida Panther story and I'm still hopeful I'll see one some day.

By all means please add me and my wife to those who would absolutely support the continuing effortts to further the efforts necessary to keep them florishing and protected.

Keep up the good work.

Neil and Martha Harris 9025 Lunar Lane Port Richey.FL 34668 765/ From: Brenda Buck To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 5:18:54 PM

Mr. Shindle, Please do not remove our beloved Florida Panther from the endangered list. They face enough danger from automobiles, they do not need to be hunted too. Sincerely, Brenda Buck From: Brynn Howie To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 11:55:37 AM

I think the panther should stay protected. But at all costs should never never be hunted. Thank you.

Brynn Howie Registered Fla Voter From: Richard Rosen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 11:12:54 AM

I am a volunteer at Naples Zoo, and have come to love our Florida Panthers. Please protect their future. Tracy Rosen. From: Sandra Lee McFarlin To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 10:51:28 AM Importance: High

Dear Mr. Shindle, Happy Independence Day! I just finished reading Craig Pittman’s article in the Tampa Bay Times on the Florida Panther’s status of “Endangered” and felt as a 30 plus voting resident of the state I should write you and request that you help to keep the Panther on the “Endangered” list. Future generations need to observe wildlife at it’s best and not in a zoo. With only approximately 200 in the wild how is this number not considered “Endangered” when 32 were killed via vehicles in 2016? I implore FWS to reconsider this status. There should not be any hunts, we all know the recent bear hunt was a fiasco, while I am writing our Manatee’s attract a lot of revenue help protect them also.

Thank you,

Sandy McFarlin

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Richard Rosen To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 9:19:09 AM

I am a volunteer at Naples Zoo, and have come to love our Florida Panthers. Please protect their future. Tracy Rosen. From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 9:10:12 AM

Please keep the Florida Panther protected. An estimate of 200 population is still too low to remove their endangered status. Not with the run over stats by cars being as high as those are. Thank you. Elizabeth Rench

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE device From: Ann Jamieson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 7:14:18 AM

Please keep the Florida panther on the endangered species list. There have been so many killed by cars in the last few years. This number will only increase. The fact that there has been one female with kittens is not enough to justify taking the panther off of the endangered species list. The worst that can happen if the panther is kept on the list is we have more panthers. Hunting can always be allowed at a future time. The worst that happens if you take them off the list is we have too few animals to repopulate the species again. I urge the state to leave the panther on the endangered species list. From: Sabine Vandenhende To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Monday, July 3, 2017 9:44:18 AM

Dear Mr Shindle I hereby wish to express myself against a potential withdrawal of the Florida Panther from the endangered species list. Please count me in as one of the opponents.

Panthers attacking life stock or other to survive is not a sufficient reason to allow the killing and hunting of them. Do not bend under hunters, politicians, or business pressure. We humans are the cause for the panther population decline and their habit loss and as such force them into finding food and space on personal property. We should find a solution to protect them not destroy them.

Sincerely, Sabine Vandenhende Lee County Resident

Sent from my iPhone From: grant weber To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Sunday, July 2, 2017 6:44:58 PM

I’m not sure I understand the impetus behind delisting the panther. Even given an estimate of it’s numbers on the high end of what’s being bandied about,- let’s say, two hundred eighty, there seems little to believe that the animal is out of the woods as far as survival is concerned, given the very high rates of mortality and the concentration of the breeding population within a specific area. Until more breeding groups appear north of the Caloosahatchee, the propensity for inbreeding will continue to act as an anchor on the sustainability of cougars. Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Michelle MacKenzie To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 6:52:10 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle

I write to urge you to keep the Florida panther on the Endangered Species list. While the population has increased, panther mortality due to vehicles is reaching record highs. Further, females and kittens were spotted north of the Caloosahatchee River for the first time in decades. This is something to be applauded but let us wait until these panthers settle in there before removing their endangered status. Finally, core habitat is being lost daily for the panthers.

Please keep these animals listed as endangered.

Sincerely

Michelle MacKenzie From: Denise Prescott To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 3:34:25 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle, I understand that your office is reviewing whether our Florida panthers should still be considered an endangered species. Please consider that this magnificent creature is an important symbol of our State. We once allowed their numbers to deplete to the extent that we had to bring in cougars from Texas to ensure we would not lose them forever. We cannot allow this to happen again. There are numerous environmental organizations that are working to save our wildlife so that our children, grandchildren, and future generations will have more than pictures and stories but would have an opportunity to see firsthand how beautiful our country truly is. We have to plan our growth carefully to meet the needs of the people and of our environment, including our wildlife.

Please continue to protect our panthers. Please keep them on the endangered list.

Thank you for your time,

Denise Prescott 705 NW 42 Way Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Denise Prescott [email protected] "Listen, and don't ignore what you hear". Samuel Halpern From: Donny Forbus To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther. Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 2:52:54 PM

-In the 1950's and 1960's puma from central and South America were introduced to south Florida, their genetic markers remain in today's population.

-In 1995 puma from Texas were introduced to south Florida.

-In between 1950 and 1995 several puma from western states were released in south Florida. All these releases of introduced genetics has ensured the canonical panther no longer exists.

-In 1983 the case against a Seminole chief for killing and eating a panther was dismissed when the prosecution could not prove there was such a thing as a "Florida panther".

-In 2000 Dr Melanie Culver published her study "genomic ancestry of North American puma" in which she determined through genetics that all puma in North America are the same.

-In 2017 the IUCN, the worlds foremost authority on the preservation of nature, concluded that there are only 2 subspecies of puma worldwide.

-There is not enough contiguous habitat left to achieve the current recovery goals of three populations of 240.

-In 2015, Frakes et al. published findings that "this population may already be at or close to carrying capacity, yet the panther population is below what is required for long term genetic viability".

-Human interaction, mortality, and livestock/pet depredations continue to increase.

This is why it's imperative that the cat be delisted as there is no way possible it could be endangered. Floridians suffer the fate of a over population of these killers while they are hunted in every other state where the population closely resembles Florida's population! From: Sandra Phillips To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panther. Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 3:56:17 PM

Please do not remove the Florida Panther from the endangered species list. Thank you, Sandra Phillips, Tampa Fl. From: Terry Forman To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther Date: Monday, July 31, 2017 11:21:55 AM

Mr. Shindle, I’m writing this in response to a publication in the Naples Daily News written by Kate Macfall. My family has owned property here in Bonita Springs since the early 70’s and my wife and I bought in ‘87. In all that time, I’ve seen nothing but continuing growth of the human population and expansion of development, neither of which I see changing in the future. Fatalities of panthers on our busy roads continues and as deer/hog supply diminishes, attacks on farm animals will continue to rise. I feel we’re hoping against hope that the panther population can somehow continue to grow without serious confrontations between the people and the panthers. I feel this was not a good idea to repopulate the panther in an area where it’s population expansion cannot be supported and where man will continue to squeeze them out of the areas they live. Just my two cents.... From: Stephanie matuza To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers !! Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 11:54:00 PM

PLEASE do not delist the Florida panthers.

Stephanie Matuza From: El To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 7:14:40 AM

As a Florida native it is imperative that we take responsibility and keep the Florida Panthers protected. Please don't change the status to something which they may never recover from.

Thank you, Elaine K Brabaw From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 5:10:51 PM

Keep protecting the panthers. Do not change any rules.

Robert Bage

Sent from my iPhone From: Juderad To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 9:26:52 AM

Too much habitat destruction, too few Florida Panthers! Please David, take a stand to defend naturally beautiful Florida and our treasures. Panthers are being set up for extinction if you don't protect their Endangered Species Status! Thank you, Judith Radecki Naples, Florida

Sent from my iPhone From: Christine Stewart To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers are endangered- PROTECT THEM! Date: Friday, July 14, 2017 10:43:09 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I am contacting you as a concerned citizen who wants to keep the Florida Panther's endangered status intact.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service should stay on track with their recovery goals by working to establish and sustain three viable populations of at least 240 Florida panthers each. The wildlife service should also do more to protect habitat by critically evaluating proposed development projects, selectively permitting new construction, and prioritizing the conservation of panther habitat in Southwest Florida.

Keep the Florida panther’s protective status as endangered and don't change the recovery criteria for the state’s most beloved animal.

Dr. Christine Stewart 307 Whippoorwill Gln Escondido, CA 92026 US 7604891318 From: Marc F. To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers" must be protected! Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 12:08:36 PM

I am very concerned about the Federal government's review of continuing to classify the Florida panther as an endangered species. This is indeed a magnificent as well as an endangered species. Their number is estimated only to be between 200-300. I believe the State of Florida should be doing everything in its power to protect the panther as an endangered species.

Respectfully submitted,

Marc Finkelstein From: STEVE WALKER To: [email protected] Subject: FLORIDA PANTHERS MUST REMAIN PROTECTED Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 3:14:20 PM

Hello Mr. Shindle,

Florida Panther numbers are frighteningly small, and the future of the species DEPENDS on government protections.

Florida Panthers MUST retain endangered species protections.

Sincerely,

Steve & Samantha Walker From: Roberta Barr To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers need protection Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 9:28:15 PM

Mr. Shindle,

As a concerned Florida citizen I am contacting you asking you to keep the Florida Panther's endangered status intact, and to consider increasing protections.

At minimum, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service should stay on track with their recovery goals by working to establish and sustain three viable populations of at least 240 Florida panthers each. That's a total of 720 individual panthers, and we are way below that goal! We are losing critical genetic diversity every day. The wildlife service should also do more to protect habitat by critically evaluating proposed development projects, selectively permitting new construction, and prioritizing the conservation of panther habitat in Southwest Florida.

Keep the Florida panther’s protective status as endangered and don't change the recovery criteria for one of the state’s most beloved animal.

Roberta Barr 2713 Capricorn Pl Holiday, FL 34691 US 7279406465 From: Dorien Grippe To: "[email protected]" Subject: Florida Panthers on the Endangered Species List Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 4:21:12 PM

Good Afternoon,

Please do not remove the Florida Panthers from the Endangered Species list. There are currently only 230 of them left!!

Thank you for your time.

Dorien J. Grippe

The comments and opinions expressed herein are those of the author of this message and may not reflect the policies of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. Under Florida Law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. From: Marie To: [email protected] Subject: FLORIDA PANTHERS PROTECTION ETERNALLY *******IMPORTANT******** Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 11:50:49 AM

Animals are a gift to us , our children and our grandchildren. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a monopoly of people who seem to not care about the future of wildlife and the conservation of our native Florida land that has been over developed to cause all Florida animals to continue to be going extinct.

It makes me sick to my stomach to hear when animals are being hit by cars, this is their home not ours and measures must be taken to protect them now more than ever. Developers are encroaching their homes and the FWS has allowed this to happen not only to the panthers but gofer tortoises, manatees, birds and the like.

I beg you to continue to enforce the panthers as a endangered species and put the manatees back on this list too. You all should be ashamed of yourselves with what you have allowed Florida to become, one huge concrete and asphalt jungle.

Perhaps one day all of you will be on the endangered list and the Fish and Wildlife Service will go completely extinct because you all don't know how to manage Florida wildlife properly. I hope you hang your head and cry as this is totally revolting to even consider removing precious animals from the endangered list.

-- Marie S. Wiberg Dunedin, Florida From: Nora Davidson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers rate higher than development! Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 9:43:45 PM

Mr. Shindle,

I am contacting you as a concerned citizen who wants to keep the Florida Panther's endangered status intact.

Keep the Florida panther’s protective status as endangered and don't change the recovery criteria for the state’s most beloved animal.

Ms. Nora Davidson 2956 Delphi Ct NE Bremerton, WA 98311 US From: joseph weinzettle To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers status as endangered species Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 9:09:48 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

I urge US Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the Florida panther on the endangered species list. This unique species, representative of the state of Florida, deserves all the protection and support that we can give it. _The population of 200 is still small and has a limited range. _The panther is mostly confined to south Florida. To be a successful, viable species, the Florida panther needs to expand its range and establish populations in central and northern Florida. _Panthers are currently threatened by over-development. _Many panther fatalities, including cubs, are due to traffic.

I urge US Fish and Wildlife to partner with other agencies and local governments to ensure that _Panthers have access to natural habitat _Rural roads thru panther habitat should not be high speed, and adjacent to known breeding areas, have speed bumps and traffic slowing measures in place. _Signage and traffic slowing measures should be put in place when panther cubs are known (or likely) to be in areas adjacent to roadways. _Additional acreage south and north of Lake Okeechobee is secured, purchased for state or national parks, to guarantee panthers will have range for expansion. _Florida panthers remain on the endangered list until their numbers are far higher and multiple, healthy populations throughout the state are established.

Thank you for your consideration,

Joseph Weinzettle PO Box 282 Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 ph email [email protected] From: Darrel Bybee To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers status Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 10:27:01 AM

Dear Mr. Shingle, Please leave the Florida Panthers on the endangered species endangered list. They fight mankind for their habitat don,the make them fight for their protection too. We cannot afford to let their population not be protected. Thank you

Darrel Bybee Port St Lucie, FL 34983 Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From: Jennifer Nitz To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panther"s status Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2017 7:25:46 PM

I urge you to not change the Florida panther's protective status from endangered.

Road kills, habitat loss and development of panther habitat continue to be threats. Dozens of applications for new construction, mines, and other projects are being considered in panther habitat. Your agency is in the process of reviewing a development plan in Collier County that would build a city the size of Washington D.C. in the heart of panther territory.

Instead of changing the recovery goals. FWS must re-commit to protecting Florida's cat.

Ms. Jennifer Nitz PO Box 863 west yellowstone, MT 59758 US From: Helen Cantore To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 3:38:42 PM

The panthers need the protection that the Endangered species Act provides now more than ever From: Dario Roas To: "[email protected]" Subject: Florida panthers Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 8:21:53 AM

David,

I am truly bewildered at the possibility that the Florida Panther could be removed from endangered status.

Please help us protect this beautiful creature!

Dario Roas Martin County B.O.C.C. Desktop Computer Specialist

The comments and opinions expressed herein are those of the author of this message and may not reflect the policies of the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. Under Florida Law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017 1:09:22 PM

Mr. Shindle;

Only 200 of any species in any locale anywhere is a critical situation! It's bogus to assert that cross- breeding renders our panthers as not "real" Florida panthers and sounds more like hunter speak than concern. Animal scientists have used that technique to save endangered species for years. A different name, puma, doesn't make it a different animal. DNA testing might show a slight variant created by habitat but still the same species.

Reality tells us the population in Florida will continue to grow, creating more traffic deaths and loss of habitat and food supply. We can only control the latter two and must do so to save our treasured state animal. This could be achieved by promoting the sale of license plates, selling tee shirts(maybe something comical since older women are often referred to as "panthers,") grammar school seminars about panthers or a state sponsored drawing contest for young children about panthers. Awareness is the best way to save them.

From a personal perspective, I was shocked to read that "fake" panthers is being pushed by an agency under the Trump administration but not surprised. No doubt, that agency is comprised of hunters and NRA promoters. To use Trump's words, "Bad, very bad." There are many more Floridians who love our environment and the wonder of our wildlife. We can and will resist and fight for them!

Valerie Tarrant Largo, FL 33770 From: Jenifer Marx To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Sunday, July 23, 2017 6:27:41 AM

This year so far 13 Florida Panthers have been struck and killed in Florida roadways. If nothing else keeping Florida panther on the endangered list may make the public more aware and perhaps slow the alarming rate of such incidents.

We urge the government to do what it can to protect these magnificent animals, which find it increasingly difficult to subsist in our crowded, cemented-over state.

Bob and Jenifer Marx Indialantic , FL

Sent from my iPad From: Larry Shapiro To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017 1:23:53 PM

Mr.Shindle

We are residents of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and implore you to not remove Florida panthers from the Endangered Species list. There numbers continue to be reduced by collisions with automobiles(approximately 230 in the world) and their birth rate is not keeping up with the accident losses.They cannot afford to be delisted. Thank you for your consideration.

Larry shapiro Jolene Shapiro 207 Via Palacio Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33418 From: Larka Shields To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 6:16:01 PM

Please do not take the Florida panther off the endangered species list. It took too long to get the population growth up. With habitat loss and other pressures on the wildlife this is not a good time to think about doing this. I implore you to look at the overall threats to this species and allow them to prosper.

Thank you,

Lark Shields Ormond Beach, FL From: GJ Woodcock To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 2:59:56 PM

David. . . Please add my registered-voter voice to those who want the Florida panther protected. I feel very strongly about this issue. If you will send me the names of any other "officials" to contact, I will do so immediately. Sincerely, Joanna M. Woodcock From: Laura Johnson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Friday, July 21, 2017 2:03:48 PM

Please add my name to the list of people opposed to the federal government's review of the Florida panther's status as endangered. While I'm not a scientist, I agree with Kate MacFall, who in her My View column said, "No scientific justification exists to strip panthers of their endangered species protection, and there is simply no pressing need to do so."

Only 230 or so of these animals exist, so why on Earth would anyone not think they need protections in place to ensure survival of the species?

Thank you for your efforts to continue protection for the Florida panther.

Laura Johnson

Tallahassee

Sent from my iPhone From: B John Ovink To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 9:45:36 PM

I am a Floridian, I love my state, it's nature and wildlife. I understand that you are debating the possibility of the Florida panther losing endangered status. With only an estimated 220 panthers living in the wild, we do not have a sufficient population to justify moving to species of the endangered list. There is insufficient habitat to meet degree tear for changing the species listing. We should create more habitat for the Panthers to live in rather than move them off the endangered species list. The Florida panther is unique, and should be protected to maximum possibility.

A loving message sent from John's iPhone. From: Jim Gerhart To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:32:00 PM

We just learned that Florida panthers were being considered to be down listed from endangered status because one study concluded that they were not a separate subspecies. True or not, this is irrelevant. Our panthers number only about 200 and are barely hanging on. 34 were killed on the highway last year, and already 17 have succumbed to automobiles this year. This news comes when there is a glimmer of hope for them as they may be expanding their territory. As a female Panther was found north of the Caloosahachee River, cause for joy for the majority of Floridians. Any less protection could lead to hunting and the destruction of our population, just when there was positive news. Please don't let this happen. We are counting on you. Jim and Shirley Gerhart Port Richey 34668

From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:30:46 PM

Please protect the Florida panthers' environment from further encroachment.

Thank you,

Tedd Hope (Naples Resident) From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 5:07:04 PM

I was amazed to read that Florida panthers were being considered to be down listed from endangered status because one study concluded that they were not a separate subspecies. This may or may not be true, but this is irrelevant. Our panthers number only about 200 and are barely hanging on. 34 were killed on the highway last year, and already 17 have succumbed to automobiles this year. This news comes when there is a glimmer of hope for them as they may be expanding their territory. As a female Panther was found north of the Caloosahachee River, cause for joy for the majority of Floridians. Any less protection could lead to hunting and the destruction of our population, just when there was positive news. Please don't let this happen.

Janice Howie 5500 Leahy Ln. New Port Richey,Fl. 34652 From: Julie Henderson To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 4:46:41 PM

I am writing to express my concern that the protection of the panther is in jeopardy. Please be advised that I want those protections to stay in place. Thank you. Julie Henderson Sebring Florida 33872

Sent from my iPad From: Barbara Schrefer To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 8:26:32 AM

Please keep on giving Florida panthers federal endangered protection. From: Judy Tewksbury To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Saturday, July 15, 2017 8:03:35 AM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

Please continue to protect the Florida panther. It is quite alarming that your agency would consider their status anything other than endangered.

Sincerely,

Judy Tewksbury

Sent from my iPhone From: Carol Ohlendorf To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Thursday, July 13, 2017 9:41:55 PM

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will review whether Florida panthers are still an endangered species. The review, which is required every 5 years under the Endangered Species Act, comes amid growing calls from hunters and ranchers to take the big cats off the endangered species list in response to population growth. Though the population has increased from perilously low numbers due to the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act, its numbers and distribution are still far too limited to secure the Florida panther from extinction.

Let's stop all the killing and trying to wipe out all animal species...we need to protect the ESA and the animals that are listed under this Act.

Please do the right thing.

Carol Ohlendorf From: Judy Tewksbury To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 8:04:59 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

Please continue to protect the Florida panther. It is quite alarming that your agency would consider their status anything other than endangered.

Sincerely,

Judy Tewksbury

Sent from my iPhone From: Bruce Henley To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 1:01:41 PM

David,

Please save the Florida Panthers, I do not believe humans have the right to kill animals "just because". We should save as many (animals/ fish included) for future generation of Floridians. People cause the problems with animal interactions, attacks, lack of food and decreased natural environment.

Sincerely,

Bruce Henley [email protected] From: Greg Mccartney To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 11:30:04 AM

I am writing to voice my opinion that the Florida Panther should remain on the endangered status list of animals.

Thank you

C. Greg McCartney 838 Stratford Dr. Lakeland, FL From: Judy Tewksbury To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Friday, July 7, 2017 3:24:34 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

Please continue to protect the Florida panther. It is quite alarming that your agency would consider their status anything other than endangered.

Sincerely,

Judy Tewksbury

Sent from my iPhone From: Jacqueline Schmidt To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 7:46:13 PM

Your Honor:

I am deeply concerned about the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service Agency considering taking Florida panthers off the endangered species list. This is very risky when there are only about 109 left in the state.

The only pseudo evidence is being driven by ranchers and hunters, some of which sit on the Fish and Wildlife Service Agency. Big Ag and hunters must not be in charge of our wildlife. We need scientific evidence and these types of individuals serving in this agency.

Please do what is necessary to save our panthers so that they do not disappear forever. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. From: Helen Smith To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 8:39:30 AM

I think the Florida panther should stay on the endangered list. I was born in Florida and lived her 69 years. I have seen so many places, animals, sea life destroyed by people please do not let the panther be next.

Helen Smith From: Reg Dickey To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 11:46:42 AM

David, I don't believe the Florida Panther, Puma or whatever is the proper description should be removed from the endangered list. The count of 200 seems awful small when as many as 45 (23%) are killed on our highways. I'm a hunter but there are plenty of deer, hogs, etc. for our hunters which should not include the Panther. Thanks for this opportunity, Reg Dickey Tampa, Florida From: Elizabeth Yerian To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Monday, July 3, 2017 12:19:23 AM

Florida Panthers should be protected at all costs, whatever it takes. Please do not change any current laws protecting them. I only will support laws that protect them as the endangered specie they are. Same goes for Florida black bears who only came off the endangered species list in 2012. I do not and will never support of Florida black bear hunt ever again. What makes Florida so great is our diverse wildlife and are unique ecosystems.

Thank you, Elizabeth Yerian 1200 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, Fl. 33149 From: Caryn Nash To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 9:21:27 PM

Hello. I just read a disturbing article. It seems that the state of Florida may change panthers from being on the endangered list. Please keep the panthers protected. I am not a resident of Florida, I live in NJ, but I travel there a lot. Honestly I just can't imagine allowing people to kill these animals. It said in the article that the population is growing and that perhaps they will begin hunting the Florida Panther again. How horrible and barbaric. We have come so far with protecting big cats. Please don't go backwards. Please allow these animals to live. Thank you, Caryn Nash. Sent from my iPhone From: Terri Wilk To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:37:02 AM

To Whom It May Concern:

Please do not delist the Florida Panther and continue the panther on the endangered list. Only recently has it been determined that the panthers are beginning to cross over the Caloosahatchee River. This is a big leap toward establishing a habitat which can support the panthers for the long-term. However, without continued protection, overdevelopment will encroach into the habitat the panthers are only beginning to develop.

As a dual resident of Florida, I support continued protection for wildlife that is part of Florida's history - especially the endangered panther. It is our civic duty to protect wildlife that is struggling to survive due to our human presence, which will also preserve Florida's future environmentally and economically. Wildlife plays a major role in Florida's economy. Any internet search for visiting Florida will validate the impact wildlife has on Florida's tourism.

Thank you for considering my request.

Terri Wilk 3625 County Road 78, Fort Denaud, Fl 33935 5076 Joewood Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957

Terri Wilk [email protected] (cell) From: Bill Marshall To: [email protected] Cc: Tom Koch Subject: Florida Panthers Date: Sunday, July 30, 2017 4:11:59 PM

Mr. Shindle

As a lifetime hunter and supporter of wildlife programs I do commend the work of your department on behalf of the Panthers of Florida. I am very sorry to learn that I will not enjoy the hunting on Mr Koch's ranch in the future, not because of the loss of habitat that has taken place in so many areas in this country, but because of the loss of wildlife. For 12 years I have visited your state for a week of hunting hogs. Twelve years ago the hog population, deer, and small game was to say the least over running the ranch. The last few years seeing a single hog was a treat, so I would just let it go! Mr Koch informed me he was no longer leasing the ranch because the Panthers have taken over. I understand the need for our wildlife to be supported but that should mean ALL wildlife. I as well as a number of others that have visited your state will each year I'm sure find other states to buy our licenses and enjoy the pleasures of our outdoors. Sent from my iPad From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Florida Panthers, endangered species Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2017 11:07:59 AM

Good morning, Mr. Shindle,

I'm writing to add my thoughts on the question you have under consideration of whether or not to keep our Florida panther on the Endangered Species list. My opinion: YES.

I was one of the school children back in '81 who voted to make the panther our state animal. At the time, there were fewer than three dozen left in the entire world. Even with conservation assistance, we still only have around 100-200 panthers in the state - in comparison, there are over three times that many humans in my one apartment complex in Jacksonville.

Panthers are a rare and fragile species, a sizeable percentage get hit by cars every year making it even harder for the species to grow the population. We still need strong protections for it, not weaker, and support from local, state and federal agencies to help give panthers the aid they need to survive.

For my part, I can be a responsible driver when I'm downstate and be alert to the animals so if I ever do encounter one, I wouldn't hit it on the highway - but I can't protect them from federal officials who want to remove or weaken regulations and efforts that help protect the precious few remaining.

That's my opinion, as a resident of the state of Florida and someone who cares about Florida's environment. Please keep our panthers on the Endangered Species list.

Thank you for your time, and I hope you will consider my opinion in your decision.

Regards, Kristin Jackson Duval County, Jacksonville From: Julie Norsworthy To: [email protected] Subject: Florida panthers Date: Monday, July 31, 2017 2:30:52 PM

Dear Mr. Shindle,

After reading an excellent article in the St. Lucie newspaper, I am writing to express my deep concern for our Florida panthers. I sincerely hope the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to keep the panthers on the Endangered Species list.

The word extinct means forever and if they are removed considering all the new development that is on the books that is exactly where they are headed.

It would be a tragedy if the only way my grandchildren were to see a Florida panther would be in a book or magazine.

Please use all your resources to help save our magnificent panthers!

Respectfully yours,

Julie Norsworthy 10137 Spyglass Lane Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34986 From: Ken Taber To: [email protected] Subject: Florida"s Puma Date: Monday, July 10, 2017 6:46:22 PM

David,

As a voting member of Pasco County, I write in favor of keeping the Florida Panther on the endangered list. We can be proud of this species surviving as the only panther/puma east of the Mississippi. This geographic isolation makes it unique and separate from other pumas in its existence. I would hate to see our state loose this treasure.

Ken Taber, Hudson From: Lynn Yannick To: [email protected] Subject: Florida"s wild panthers Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 8:34:10 AM

Please let the federal government know that we value Florida's wild heritage and want our panthers protected.

Thank you.

Lynn Yannick 368 Cobblewood Drive Rockledge, FL 32955 From: Jayne To: [email protected] Subject: Forida Panther Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 1:50:50 PM

Mr. Shindle:

I am contacting you to register my support for keeping the Florida Panther on the endangered species list. The panther population has not grown enough over the last 40 years to warrant lifting these valuable protections.

Thank you,

Jayne Hustead 410 Sable Oak Dr. Vero Beach, FL 32963

Sent from my iPad From: Ryan Dovenberg To: [email protected] Subject: Fwd: De-list Cougars Date: Sunday, July 2, 2017 12:23:48 PM

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Ryan Dovenberg Date: July 2, 2017 at 12:03:51 PM EDT To: [email protected] Subject: De-list Cougars

Hello David, First I wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m no scientist just an average outdoorsman. I’m taking the time to write this letter because there’s something fishy going on and I believe everyone knows it. I have property in Northern Cal,Oregon,PA and a 10,000 acre Lykes lease here in Hendry county Florida. I have always looked at the other side of the coin on any debate and this is one that really had me checking sources. Before I started hunting here in FL I would have believed there was an endangered Florida panther. How could I argue with that? The news,Miami zoo,NPS and so many other highly respected sources said so. Well after being in the woods and hearing and SEEING the amounts of cougars I started to research. I’ve attended FWC meetings,local deer research meetings and drowned myself in social media on this matter. You can’t argue(at least with a straight face)that the cougar numbers are very low to what is actually out there. Just the amount of game camera pictures tells differently. Then you add in the mortality by vehicles and other deaths amongst each other and bam the numbers are wrong. Why would they lie? What reason could they possibly have to ignore scientist,biologist and the general public? Its scary to believe that money could be the reason but thats the only possible reason as far as I see it and I have no reason not to want them protected. They now are even questioned with out doubt that the “Florida Panther” is even a Florida Panther. Is this another money influenced labeling? There’s so many published findings that the introduction of Texas and other states cougars has made the canonical panther extinct…no? Let’s just have a good environmental stewardship so our animals thrive. You’ll need to listen to the outdoorsman in order to get a good idea whats going on too. De- listing the “Florida Panther” is a start. There’s too many cougars in the state for them to properly sustain themselves. Deer,pig,raccoons and just about every other animal are becoming non existent because of these cats. No one that goes outside can argue that! Please do the right thing when this comes up to be heard and push to de-list these cats so not to allow the whole population including the cougars to suffer. Thanks, Ryan Dovenberg From: [email protected] To: David Shindle Subject: Fwd: for David Shindle Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 9:17:50 AM

Hi David,

From [email protected] email box.

LeeAnn

------Forwarded message ------From: Date: Fri, Jul 21, 2017 at 5:29 PM Subject: for David Shindle To: [email protected], [email protected]

Saw on TV possibly putting Florida panther on Threatened list. PLEASE keep on Endangered list!

Harold and Sandra Appleby, Nokomis FL From: Maribeth Renne To: [email protected] Subject: Fwd: Keep FL Panthers endangered species protection Date: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:03:31 AM

------Forwarded message ------From: "Maribeth Renne" Date: Jul 25, 2017 10:52 AM Subject: Keep FL Panthers endangered species protection To: Cc:

We value the FL Panthers and urge you to keep them under endangered species protection.

Maribeth and David Renne 6136 56th Ave Vero Beach, Fl 32967 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Fwd: Panther Delisting - Our opinions Requested Date: Sunday, July 9, 2017 2:47:21 PM

David - my name is Stan Chrzanowski. I was the County Engineer for Collier County until my retirement a little over 6 years ago. I've been the Secretary of the Collier Sportsmen's and Conservation Club (Wayne Jenkins, Pres.) since 1992. I don't hunt - I canoe - in any flooded areas I can find, and it's been a good season so far. I should buy stock in Deep Woos OFF. I find the whole native panther species issue very interesting. The National Genographic Project can tell my ancestry from my DNA back about 100,000 years ago.. I assume the same can easily be done for every tagged cat. The first shipment of imported cats was all female because I understand that the males were considered too robust, so the offspring are already a diluted population - Not true Florida panthers. So what have we accomplished? Will they bring in all males next time?

As an engineer I value economy of effort. The one variable that's being overlooked in all this is that there's a really strong possibility that the local sea level will rise about 6 ft by the year 2100. Mean Higher High Water in this area is about elevation 3. NPS says the average elevation of the Everglades is about 6, so the area will be flooded with 3 ft of water to elevation 9 twice a day at high tide and getting worse by the decade (that is if you believe the prevailing science). Where will the panthers go when that happens? The world is changing and maybe rapidly and we want to make it static. We should know better.

I once asked Jim Beever what'll happen to the Everglades if SLR hits 6 ft as predicted and becomes a large shallow bay. He said "There'll always be an Everglades". Fascinating.

Respectfully, Stan Chrzanowski, P.E., (Retired)

From: "Frank Denninger" To: "Barbara Powell" , "BISHOP WRIGHT" , "Byron Maharrey" , [email protected], "John Rosier" , "John Storms" , "Jorge P. Gutierrez Jr." , "Mike Elfenbein" , "Paul Wylie/ Ecc dlgt/ Eglds Cnsvtn Club on Loop" , "Shawn McCann/SCI" , "Shelly Mascaro/Alt Dlgte ECC" , "Wayne Jenkins" , "Brian McMahon" , "George Gardner" , "Cameron John" , "Josh VanSchaick/Gene's G Son" , "Jack Shealy" , "evergladesadventuretours" , "Tim and Roberta" , "Jorge Diaz" , "Ralph Bellman/RNB" , "Atch Atchison" , "Bill Clark" , "BOB KULLICH" , "Brad Hamm" , "Capt Franklin Adams" , "Charlie Barley" , "Chuck Hampton" , "Curt Rimes" , "Dee Dill" , "Dr. Mogelvang" , "Hollis Clark" , "JAY MENARD" , "Jim Bryan" , "Karl Greer" , "Keith Thompson" , "LARRY WYNN" , "Lloyd Smith" , "Lyle Mccandless" , "Marco Espinar" , "Mario Fernandez" , "MARVIN LIGHTNER" , "Mike Hamblen" , "Rick Varela" , "Robert Dorta" , "Sam Snell" , "Sean Hauser" , "Shane Snell" , "Stan Chrzanowski" , "Ted Hoffman" , "Ted Soliday" , "THOMAS BAKER" , "Tom Taylor" , "Lou De Simone ([email protected])" , [email protected], "Al Bryan" <[email protected]>, "Brett Holcombe" , "JESSE BURKETT" , "CHARLES DACHTON" , "Duke Williams" , "Eric Kimmel" , "RALPH FEO" , "Freddy Fisikelli" , "George More" , "UBALDO GONZALEZ" , "Russell Grubb" , "TRIP HARRISON" , "STEVE JEFFREY" , "kcarroll2121" , "Larry Wingett" , "CARSON McCALL" , "Heath McCall" , "Megan Loboda" , "mjkservices" , "Myron E. McCall" , "Neil Ruddy ([email protected])" , "Norm Newell" , "Pete Hora" , "Rich Gotshall" , "Robert Torron" , "Charles Smith" , "John soeder" , "Tom Devine" , "JACK Warner" , "Wayne McCall" , "Mary Westwood" , "TERRY ZIEGLER" , "Kenny Brown" , "David Shealy" Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2017 1:46:03 AM Subject: Panther Delisting - Our opinions Requested

Hello All,

This article below should be distributed to every club member of every club within the ECC - IMHO with a request that every member comment to USFWS (David Shindle - a good guy) and highlighted below as specified at the bottom of the article and here - emailed to [email protected]; or faxed to - At a minimum comment to the request from USFWS for your opinion IF the panther should be a specific species - the answer is - NO the florida panther should not be a separate sub species it's just a panther like all the rest of them in America and elsewhere-

Now is our chance to have a meaningful say in the matter at LONG LAST

It looks like they really want us to comment so as to give them a foundation to do what we have wanted for decades

Also Please forward this to everyone you know cares about this - if for no other reason than to help young hunters of the future - involving many many people is what got rid of River of Grass Greenway and the same can work on this.

Thanks to All in Advance

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389 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review Florida panther's endangered status

Eric Staats , [email protected]; Published 2:48 p.m. ET June 30, 2017 | Updated 8:56 p.m. ET June 30, 2017

Watch a panther, bear, bobcat and a turkey family take selfies as they are photographed with a camera trap Andrew West/news-press.com (Photo: Tom Fawls, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Friday that it will review whether Florida panthers are still an endangered species.

The review, a requirement of the Endangered Species Act, comes after a panther population rebound has led to growing calls from hunters and ranchers to take the big cats off the endangered species list.

Panther advocates have urged caution.

"The review is going to address a lot of speculation about the panther, its status, its health and its range," said Nancy Payton, a field representative for the Florida Wildlife Federation in Southwest Florida.

The Endangered Species Act requires that a species' status be reviewed every five years; the panther's last status review was announced in 2005. A decision to keep the panther's endangered status was announced in 2009.

"I think it's time (for a new review)," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Liesa Priddy, an Immokalee rancher who drew criticism for a controversial memo that said Southwest Florida had reached its "carrying capacity" for panthers.

A later version of the memo, adopted by the Conservation Commission, called for the federal Fish and Wildlife Service to take the lead on recovery of Florida's iconic state animal.

Priddy said Friday she couldn't say whether panthers should qualify for downlisting.

"I think there's more evidence than there ever was before," she said. "That goes without saying."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has increased its estimate of the Florida panther population to as many as 230 adults, up from 180, most of them in Southwest Florida.

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That is a rebound from as few as 30 panthers before a genetic restoration experiment brought in female Texas cougars to mix with the Florida population.

The current federal recovery plan for Florida panthers requires at least two breeding populations of 240 panthers each before the panther can be listed as threatened instead of endangered; three such populations are required before the panther can be taken off the list altogether. That plan also is under review. Panther roadkills are reaching annual records, and reports of panthers preying on cattle and backyard livestock in Golden Gate Estates also are on the rise.

Earlier this year, females and kittens were seen for the first time since 1973 north of the Caloosahatchee River in Lee County, a long-awaited milestone for panther recovery.

In a statement Friday, the agency's Florida ecological services supervisor, Larry Williams, cited the natural expansion of panther habitat.

“The Florida panther population has made significant strides towards recovery since it first received federal protection in 1967," Williams said in the statement.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida CEO Rob Moher said panthers have expanded their range but still are losing core habitat.

"We have to look holistically at this," Moher said. "It's still very concerning to us."

Have your say

Input on the Florida panther status review should be sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 12085 S.R. 20 S., Immokalee, FL 34142; emailed to [email protected]; or faxed to 772-562- 4288.

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